Seroprevalence of transfusion transmissible infections among sickle cell anemia patients in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Aims: This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence of some common transfusion transmissible viral infections in sickle cell anemia patients attending our adult hematology clinic for qualitative management. Methods: A total of 111 sickle cell anemia patients attending the Hematology Outpatient Clinic (HOPC) of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in steady state were enrolled consecutively in this cross-sectional study irrespective of their blood transfusion status. Relevant demographic information and clinical histories were obtained using a structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from the subjects. Ethical approval was also obtained from the Institutions Human Research Ethics Committee. Blood sample was collected for complete blood count using a 3-part Sysmex hematology autoanalyzer, confirmatory hemoglobin electrophoresis and viral antigen/antibody screening using ELISA kits. Data was analyzed using Epi Info version 7.2.0.1 and Microsoft Office Excel version 2010. Results: Majority of our subjects were within the age range of 18–30 years, 48 (43.2%) males and 63 (56.8%) females. Seventy-six (68.5%) had blood transfusion while 35 (31.5%) never had blood transfusion in their life. Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among the transfused sickle cell anemia patients in this study was 7.9% for HIV, 22.4% for HBV, and 15.8% for HCV while those not transfused had seroprevalence of 8.6% for HIV and 11.4% for both HBV and HCV, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed between those transfused and those who have not had blood transfusion in their life. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of transfusion transmissible viral infections was relatively high and blood transfusion did not significantly influence the rate of these viral infections in our sickle cell anemia patients. Improved blood screening techniques, provision of antiviral medications, and vaccines at affordable cost are advocated.