Trends in transfusion-transmissible infections in potential donors in a specialist hospital in Rivers State

Background and Objectives Transfusion‐transmissible infections are still a major concern in developing countries because of the endemicity of these infections in the general population. Blood donors can be a source of continued transmission of these infections. This study determines the trends and prevalence of transfusion‐transmissible infections amongst prospective donors. Materials and Methods Screening documentation for prospective donors from 2011 to 2013 was reviewed; age, sex and type of donor were identified. Results A total of 5600 prospective donors were screened over a 3‐year period (2011–2013). The number of prospective donors increased yearly over this period, and the prevalence of transfusion‐transmissible infections reduced over the 3‐year period. Hepatitis B was the most prevalent transfusion‐transmissible infections in 2·66% of donors, followed by HIV (1·41%), HCV (0·45%) and VDRL (0·21%). The total prevalence of TTI in this study was 4·73%. Conclusion Our result shows a steady decrease in the prevalence of TTIs amongst prospective blood donors. This maybe as a result of increase in the number of voluntary unremunerated donors.