Abstract
BACKGROUND: Transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) pose a major risk to the safety of blood transfusions, with diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis being of particular concern. Routine screening of blood donors is crucial for minimizing the risk of transmission. This retrospective study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of reactive screening markers for TTIs among blood donors at the Indira Gandhi District Hospital associated with Sunderlal Patwa Government Medical College, Mandsaur, based on historical data over a defined period. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and trends of the reactivity of screening markers for TTIs in blood donors over a one-year period (December 2023 to November 2024) and to identify any significant patterns associated with demographic variables and donor type. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of records of 11,924 blood donations. All blood donor samples were screened for TTI markers (HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis) using the Roche Cobas e411 immunoassay analyzer (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz, Switzerland) using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) technology. Syphilis screening was performed using both treponemal and non-treponemal tests, with results tracked for reactive samples. Donor type (replacement vs. voluntary) and demographic information were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test to compare seroreactivity rates. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of reactive TTI screening markers was 2.40% (287 reactive units). Screening for malaria by the antigenic card test was negative in all 11,924 donor samples. The seroreactivity profile was dominated by syphilis (1.06%), followed by HBV (0.72%), HIV (0.36%), and HCV (0.26%). A statistically highly significant difference was observed between donor groups: the seroreactivity rate was significantly higher in replacement donors (3.20%) compared to voluntary donors (1.87%) (chi-square = 21.61, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides a detailed assessment of TTI screening reactivity among blood donors in Mandsaur, India. The high seroprevalence of TTI screening markers, particularly in replacement donors, underscores the need for stricter pre-donation screening and increased reliance on voluntary donations to enhance blood safety. Regular monitoring of these markers is essential.