Abstract

Ngwu Amauche Martina1*, Obi Godwin Okorie1 , Okoye Augustine Ejike2 , Eluke Blessing Chekwube3 , Anigolu Miriam Obiageli4

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) transmission through blood transfusion has not been effectively reduced in low income countries due to unavailability of screening methods involving the detection of viral nucleic acid and pathogen inactivation. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of HIV, HBsAg and HCV in voluntary blood donors. A total of 282 blood samples were screened for HIV, HBsAg and HCV by rapid test kits. Eighty six point two percent (86.2%) of the participants were 18-27 years, 76.6% of the subjects were males and students in higher institutions in Enugu state. Overall prevalence of HIV, HBsAg and HCV in this study was 2.8%, 5.3% and 1.1%. This study demonstrates high prevalence of HIV & HBV in blood donors residing in Enugu state. To reduce the transmission of HIV, HBsAg & HCV through blood transfusion more sensitive technique (Polymerase Chain Reaction) should be using in screening blood donors