Abstract
ObjectiveSince late 2023, human parvovirus B19 (B19V) has been erupting continuously in multiple countries. Although transfusion-transmitted infections remain rarely documented, donations harbouring high-titre, undetected virus could still breach current pathogen-reduction processes and pose a potential threat to the safety of blood and blood products. To evaluate local risk, this study first determines the immunoglobulin G (IgG) seroprevalence of B19V and its geographic distribution among voluntary blood donors in Shaanxi Province.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, from August to December 2024, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the IgG antibody against B19V in sampled batches of qualified blood samples from five municipal central blood stations in Shaanxi Province, and the distribution characteristics of samples were analysed from multiple perspectives.ResultsIn Shaanxi Province, the B19V IgG antibody positivity rate was 24.95% (533 out of 2136), and increased with age (p < 0.001). Positive cases showed significant spatial clustering (p < 0.001), with a higher number of positive cases in Central Shaanxi and a lower number of positive cases in Northern and Southern Shaanxi. The infection risks were significantly different between northern and southern regions (odds ratio [OR]: 0.592, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.448-0.782, p < 0.001). Compared to type A blood, individuals with type B blood have a lower risk of previous infection (OR: 0.718, 95% CI: 0.549-0.940, p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe previous infection rate of B19V is high among blood donors in Shaanxi Province, influenced by age, blood type, and geography. Given that B19V screening is not yet part of routine donor testing in China, we recommend that blood or blood components intended for immunocompromised, high-risk recipients be tested for B19V before transfusion, so as to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infection in an economical and efficient manner. Future studies should focus on the long-term dynamics of B19V infection and the effectiveness of screening programs in reducing transmission risks.