Babatunde Olanrewaju Motayo1, 3 , Adedayo Omotayo Faneye3 , Usen Asuquo Udo2,
Babatunde Adebiyi Olusola3, Isreal EzeaniI.,2 , Joseph Iruobe Ogiogwa 1

1. Microbiology Unit, Pathology department, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
2. Hematology and Blood Transfusion Unit, Pathology department, Federal Medical
Centre, Abeokuta.
3. Department of Virology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.

Abstract
Background: Transfusion transmissible infections, such as HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis are on the rise and pose a threat to blood safety.

Objective: To determine prevalence and demographic profles of TTI’s among frst time blood donors in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Methods: The study was conducted between February to November 2013; 130 frst time blood donors were tested for the presence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV antibodies and Treponema palidium antibodies using EIA based rapid immunochromatographic kits. Data analysis was done using SPSS with a level of signifcance of p<0.05.
Results: Prevalence rates to HIV, HBsAg, HCV antibody, were 6.2% (n=8), 10% (n=13) and 1.5% (n=2), there was 0%
prevalence to Treponema palidium antibodies. Group specifc prevalence rates revealed that educational status was associated with HBsAg positivity (p = 0.028), donors with a history of previous blood transfusion was also statistically associated with HIV sero-reactivity (p = 0.013).

Conclusions: High levels of HBsAg and HIV were observed, there is need to revise the donor testing algorithm in Nigeria in line with the prevalence of TTI’s. We also advocate that a National surveillance system for TTI’s be established through our National blood transfusion service (NBTS) program, a second serological test is also suggested to reduce the risk of occult HBV infection in Nigeria.

Key words: Prevalence rate, TTI’s, Blood donors, Nigeria
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v15i1.3