Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C and HIV Among Blood Donors in kathmandu Valley

Abstract

During the study period of December 1st 2006 to September 1st 2007,a total of 33,255 blood donors in Kathmandu Valley were screened for Anti HCV antibodies and AntiHIV-1 and 2 antibodies using third generation ELISA kits and automated ELISA Processor(BEP III)in Serology Laboratory of NRCS, CBTS. The seroprevalence of hepatitis C was observed 0.66%,more in Volunteer donors(0.69%) than in Replacement donors (0.4%) (P < 0.05). In male donors these roprevalence was 0.7% and in female donors it was 0.39%(P < 0.05).Surprisingly,the seroprevalence was almost similar in first time(0.65%) and repeat donors(0.67%)(P>0.05). HCV was found to be most prevalent(0.82%) in age group of 21-30years (P<0.05), in males it was most prevalent(0.88%) in age group of 21-30 years (P < 0.05)and in females it was most prevalent(0.47%) in the age group of 41-50years(P > 0.05).The seroprevalence of HIV wasobserved0.19%, more in Volunteer donors(0.2%) than in Replacement donors(0.13%)(P>0.05).In male donors the seroprevalence was 0.2%and in female donors it was 0.16%(P>0.05).The seroprevalence was almost similar in first time(0.2%) and repeat donors(0.19%)(P>0.05).The seroprevalence of HIV was found to be highest(0.24%) in age group of21-30years inmale donors(P>0.05) and in female do norsit was highest(0.23%) in age group of41-50years(P>0.05). The coprevalence of HCV and HIV was observed 0.02%.HCV coprevalence was observed in 10.76% of HIV seropositive donors whereas HIV coprevalence was observed in 3.16% of HCV seropositive donors. HCV and HIV seropositivity was associated with each other (P<0.05). Hence, HCV and HIV seroprevalence among blood donors in Kathmandu Valley was0.66% and 0.19% respectively. Key words: HCV, HIV, Seroprevalence, Coprevalence, Blood donors