SEROPOSITIVITY OF HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN AND HEPATITIS C ANTIBODIES AMONG BLOOD DONORS AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN EGYPT: A THREE -YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) are common
transmissible infections through unsafe blood transfusion. Egypt has the highest prevalence of
chronic HCV infection worldwide and a moderate prevalence of chronic HBV. Aim of the work:
Assessment of the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatic C in our blood banks
donors. Material and Methods: The blood donation records over 3 years (from January 2008 to
December 2010) were retrospectively reviewed for seropositivity of HBs Ag and HCV antibody
in our blood banks data base. Results: Total of 193,000 donations were received in our blood
banks within 3 years (from 2008-2010). The annual prevalence rate of HBs Ag seropositivity was
almost constant showing linear trend throughout the three years (1.63%, 1.59% and 1.77%
respectively). HCV seropositivity was slight different, as the annual prevalence rate was 12.5% in
2008 increased to 16.5% in 2009 and to 18.9% in 2010. Age distribution of both infections
showed that; HBs Ag was doubled in age group (35-45 year), while HCV antibodies
seropositivity increased up to 3 folds in the same age group. Conclusion: Our study confirmed
the fact that, HBV prevalence is steadily constant in our governorate although, it cannot be relied
upon because the donors were screened only for HBsAg, but HCV prevalence is steadily and
rapidly increasing each year and as age increases. More Strict measures in our blood banks are
needed including HB core IgM and HCV RNA assay for prevention of any missed undiagnosed
cases.
Key words: Seropositivity; Hepatitis B surface antigen; Hepatitis C antibodies; Blood donors;
Retrospective study; Egypt.