Psychological ownership and identity motives in blood donation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Interventions to retain existing donors are essential to increase the blood supply. Blood donor self-identity is proposed to motivate sustained donation behaviour. However, interventions to develop self-identity in the absence of donating blood are scarce. We propose that experiencing psychological ownership of a blood collection agency (BCA) may provide a potential avenue for fostering donor self-identity and subsequent sustained donation behaviour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-five donor participants were recruited through Prolific Academic (n = 175) and an Australian online blood donor community group (n = 80), with an additional 252 non-donors recruited through Prolific Academic. Participants completed an online survey assessing donation behaviour, perceived psychological ownership of a BCA, self-identity and intentions to donate blood, amongst other constructs. RESULTS: Consistent with our theoretical argument, psychological ownership was positively associated with self-identity, which, in turn, was positively associated with intentions to donate blood. Donation behaviour was positively associated with psychological ownership. Examination of psychological ownership by donation experience showed the expected relationship with committed donors having the strongest psychological ownership and non-donors having the weakest psychological ownership over a BCA. CONCLUSION: We provide initial support for the inclusion of psychological ownership within a model of sustained blood donation behaviour.

Occupations Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection and Vaccination, US Blood Donors, May 2021-December 2021.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the United States by occupation. We identified occupations at higher risk for prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as defined by the presence of infection-induced antibodies among US blood donors. METHODS: Using a nested case-control study design, blood donors during May-December 2021 with anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) testing were sent an electronic survey on employment status, vaccination, and occupation. The association between previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and occupation-specific in-person work was estimated using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for sex, age, month of donation, race and ethnicity, education, vaccination, and telework. RESULTS: Among 85 986 included survey respondents, 9504 (11.1%) were anti-N reactive. Healthcare support (20.3%), protective service (19.9%), and food preparation and serving related occupations (19.7%) had the highest proportion of prior infection. After adjustment, prior SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with healthcare practitioners (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.74-2.54) and healthcare support (aOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.39-2.40) occupations compared with computer and mathematical occupations as the referent group. Lack of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination (aOR, 16.13; 95% CI, 15.01-17.34) and never teleworking (aOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.30) were also independently associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Construction and extraction occupations had the highest proportion of unvaccinated workers (30.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Workers in healthcare, protective services, and food preparation had the highest prevalence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Occupational risks for SARS-CoV-2 infection remained after adjusting for vaccination, telework, and demographic factors. These findings underscore the need for mitigation measures and personal protection in healthcare settings and other workplaces.

SARS-CoV-2 Virus-Like Particle Neutralizing Capacity in Blood Donors Depends on Serological Profile and Donor-Declared SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination History.

This study attempted to understand the levels of neutralizing titers and the breadth of antibody protection against wild-type and variant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Canadian blood donors during the first 3 months of 2021. During this period, it is unlikely that many of the blood donors had received a second dose, since vaccine rollout had not yet ramped up, and less than 2% of the Canadian population had received a second dose of vaccine. A repeated cross-sectional design was used. A random cross-sectional sampling of all available Canadian Blood Services retention samples (n = 1,500/month) was drawn monthly for January, February, and March 2021. A tiered testing approach analyzed 4,500 Canadian blood donor specimens for potential evidence of a signal for anti-spike (anti-S), anti-receptor-binding domain (anti-RBD), and anti-nucleocapsid protein (anti-N). Specimens were stratified based on donor-declared vaccination history and then stratified on the presence or absence of anti-N as follows: (i) "vaccinated plus anti-N" (n = 5), (ii) "vaccinated and no anti-N" (n = 20), (iii) "unvaccinated plus anti-N" (n = 20), and (iv) "unvaccinated and no anti-N" (n = 20). Randomized specimens were then characterized for neutralizing capacity against wild-type as well as SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) (Alpha [B.1.1.7], Beta [B.1.351], Gamma [P.1], and Delta [B.1.617.2]) using S-pseudotyped virus-like particle (VLP) neutralization assays. There was no neutralizing capacity against wild-type and VOC VLPs within the "no vaccine and no anti-N" group. Neutralization of Beta VLPs was less than wild-type VLPs within "vaccinated plus anti-N," "vaccinated and no anti-N", and "unvaccinated plus anti-N" groups. IMPORTANCE In the first 3 months of 2021 as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination was in the initial stages of a mass rollout, Canadian blood donors had various levels of humoral protection against wild-type and variant of concern (VOC) SARS-CoV-2. Very few Canadians would have received a second dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. In this study, we identified elevated levels of neutralizing capacity, albeit with reduced neutralization capacity against one or more SARS-CoV-2 strains (wild type and VOCs) in vaccinated blood donors. This broad neutralizing response we present regardless of evidence of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection. Neutralizing capacity against wild type and VOCs varied significantly within the unvaccinated group, with one subset of unvaccinated plasma specimens (unvaccinated and no anti-N) having no measurable wild type- nor variant-neutralizing capacity. The study is important because it indicates that vaccination can be associated with a broad neutralizing antibody capacity of donor plasma against SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.

Transcriptional Analysis of Total CD8+ T Cells and CD8+CD45RA- Memory T Cells From Young and Old Healthy Blood Donors.

Memory CD8+ T cells accumulate with aging, while the naïve T cell compartment decreases, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections and a decreased vaccine efficiency. To get deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms, this study aims to determine the age-dependent expression profile of total versus memory CD8+ T cells from young and old donors. Total CD8+ and CD8+CD45RA- memory T cells isolated from young (<30 years) and old (>60 years) donors were stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies for 48h before analyzing the cytokine secretion and activation markers by flow cytometry and changes in the expression profiles using RNA sequencing. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analyses were performed for up-regulated and uniquely expressed transcripts identified in the T cell populations of both age groups. Total and memory CD8+ T cells from old donors expressed significantly higher CD25 levels and have an increased cytokine secretion. While approximately 1,500 up-regulated transcripts were identified in all groups, CD8+CD45RA- memory T cells of old donors had approximately 500 more uniquely expressed transcripts. Four GO terms related to the JAK-STAT pathway were identified for up-regulated transcripts in the total CD8+ T cells of old donors, whereas CD8+CD45RA- memory T cells GO terms related to adjacent pathways, like JNK and MAPK/ERK, were found. Additionally, the unique transcripts of CD8+CD45RA- memory T cells of old donors were related to the JNK, MAPK and IL-12 pathways. For both T cell populations of the old donors, cytokine and JAK-STAT pathway transcripts were up-regulated. Thus, an age-dependent effect was observed on the transcriptomes of total and memory CD8+ T cells. The CD8+ CD45RA- memory T cells from old donors maintained the increased cytokine secretion of the total CD8+ T cell population and the increased JAK-STAT pathway transcripts, which have an impact on inflammation and senescence.

Estimating SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Canadian Blood Donors, April 2020 to March 2021: Improving Accuracy with Multiple Assays.

We have previously used composite reference standards and latent class analysis (LCA) to evaluate the performance of laboratory assays in the presence of tarnished gold standards. Here, we apply these techniques to repeated, cross-sectional study of Canadian blood donors, whose sera underwent parallel testing with four separate SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays. We designed a repeated cross-sectional design with random cross-sectional sampling of all available retention samples (n = 1500/month) for a 12 -month period from April 2020 until March 2021. Each sample was evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using four assays an Abbott Architect assay targeting the nucleocapsid antigen (Abbott-NP, Abbott, Chicago IL) and three in-house IgG ELISAs recognizing distinct recombinant viral antigens: full-length spike glycoprotein (Spike), spike glycoprotein receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid (NP). We used two analytic approaches to estimate SAR-CoV-2 seroprevalence: a composite reference standard and LCA. Using LCA to estimate true seropositivity status based on the results of the four antibody tests, we estimated that seroprevalence increased from 0.8% (95% CI: 0.5-1.4%) in April 2020 to 6.3% (95% CI: 5.1-7.6%) in March 2021. Our study provides further support for the use of LCA in upcoming public health crises, epidemics, and pandemics when a gold standard assay may not be available or identifiable. IMPORTANCE Here, we describe an approach to estimating seroprevalence in a low prevalence setting when multiple assays are available and yet no known gold standard exists. Because serological studies identify cases through both diagnostic testing and surveillance, and otherwise silent, unrecognized infections, serological data can be used to estimate the true infection fatality ratio of a disease. However, seroprevalence studies rely on assays with imperfect sensitivity and specificity. Seroreversion (loss of antibody response) also occurs over time, and with the advent of vaccination, distinction of antibody response resulting from vaccination as opposed to antibody response due to infection has posed an additional challenge. Our approach indicates that seroprevalence on Canadian blood donors by the end of March 2021was less than 10%. Our study supports the use of latent class analysis in upcoming public health crises, epidemics, and pandemics when a gold standard assay may not be available or identifiable.

Impact of COVID-19 on Blood Donation and Supply: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a major impact on blood donation process and supply globally. A lockdown management procedure was launched nationally in Saudi Arabia to manage this global health crisis. The main aim of this study was to determine the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on blood donation services and supply in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Study Design and Methods. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the blood bank centers of 5 major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Hail, and Jizan in Saudi Arabia. Demographic and blood characteristics were retrieved from the first 6 months of 2019 (January-June) and compared to the same period of 2020. RESULTS: Our findings showed variation in the characteristics of blood donation and supply among the centers surveyed, as some of these centers were adversely affected, while others showed an increase in the availability of blood products during the pandemic. For example, Jeddah's center was significantly affected by COVID-19 lockdown whereas Hail's center showed a significant increase in the analyzed characteristics of blood donation services in 2020 compared to 2019. Overall, there was no major difference among the surveyed centers between 2020 and 2019, and this might be due to the effective management of blood supply and transfusion. Discussion. Although blood supply and transfusion practice was slightly affected at various degree among the surveyed centers, the whole process did not show a significant effect on the overall outcome. This is in fact due to the proper preparedness, management of blood requirements and supplies, and efficient response of the surveyed centers in Saudi Arabia.

Donor genetic and nongenetic factors affecting red blood cell transfusion effectiveness.

BACKGROUNDRBC transfusion effectiveness varies due to donor, component, and recipient factors. Prior studies identified characteristics associated with variation in hemoglobin increments following transfusion. We extended these observations, examining donor genetic and nongenetic factors affecting transfusion effectiveness.METHODSThis is a multicenter retrospective study of 46,705 patients and 102,043 evaluable RBC transfusions from 2013 to 2016 across 12 hospitals. Transfusion effectiveness was defined as hemoglobin, bilirubin, or creatinine increments following single RBC unit transfusion. Models incorporated a subset of donors with data on single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with osmotic and oxidative hemolysis in vitro. Mixed modeling accounting for repeated transfusion episodes identified predictors of transfusion effectiveness.RESULTSBlood donor (sex, Rh status, fingerstick hemoglobin, smoking), component (storage duration, γ irradiation, leukoreduction, apheresis collection, storage solution), and recipient (sex, BMI, race and ethnicity, age) characteristics were associated with hemoglobin and bilirubin, but not creatinine, increments following RBC transfusions. Increased storage duration was associated with increased bilirubin and decreased hemoglobin increments, suggestive of in vivo hemolysis following transfusion. Donor G6PD deficiency and polymorphisms in SEC14L4, HBA2, and MYO9B genes were associated with decreased hemoglobin increments. Donor G6PD deficiency and polymorphisms in SEC14L4 were associated with increased transfusion requirements in the subsequent 48 hours.CONCLUSIONDonor genetic and other factors, such as RBC storage duration, affect transfusion effectiveness as defined by decreased hemoglobin or increased bilirubin increments. Addressing these factors will provide a precision medicine approach to improve patient outcomes, particularly for chronically transfused RBC recipients, who would most benefit from more effective transfusion products.FUNDINGFunding was provided by HHSN 75N92019D00032, HHSN 75N92019D00034, 75N92019D00035, HHSN 75N92019D00036, and HHSN 75N92019D00037; R01HL126130; and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

Source plasma deferral trends: A 3-year analysis of 255 centers in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Plasma contains many important proteins of therapeutic interest including albumin, clotting factors, and antibodies. Source plasma (SP) is in great demand particularly due to a shortage of immunoglobulin. To better understand how to increase supply, we examined SP donor deferrals for the previous 3 years. STUDY DESIGN: This is a description of donor deferrals at 255 plasma donation centers in the United States for April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 4 587 923 events were evaluated for the 3-year period 2017-2020. There were 873 227 deferrals analyzed for 2017-2018, 1 765 582 in 2018-2019, and 1 949 114 for 2019-2020. The most common deferral each year was for unacceptable blood pressure (BP) or pulse which comprised 27.9%, 28.2%, and 28.3% of deferrals in 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020, respectively. The second most common cause of deferral was for unacceptable hematocrit which comprised 14.1% of deferrals in 2017-2018, and 16.0% in 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The majority of these deferred donors had low hematocrits and were predominately (~80%) female. Deferral for unacceptable total protein comprised a smaller percentage (~4%) of deferrals. DISCUSSION: Most donor deferrals were due to unacceptable screening results, particularly high BP, elevated pulse, low protein, and low hematocrit. Although rates of deferrals in other categories have been slightly increasing over time, they comprise a small percentage. Donor education regarding healthy lifestyle choices may improve overall donor health, decrease deferrals, and increase SP supply.

SARS-CoV-2 antibody kinetics in blood donors with a previously positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody test within a seroprevalence survey.

The persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies is a matter of importance regarding the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. To observe antibody dynamics, 105 blood donors, positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by a lateral flow test within a seroprevalence study, were included in this study. Thirty-nine (37%) of 105 the donors were confirmed positive by a total Ig Wantai enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Three (8%) in this group of 39 reported severe and 26/39 (67%) mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms. By further ELISA-testing, 33/39 (85%) donors were initially positive for IgG antibodies, 31/39 (79%) for IgA, and 32/39 (82%) for IgM, while 27/39 (69%) were positive for all three isotypes. Persistence of IgG, IgA, and IgM was observed in 73%, 79%, and 32% of donors, respectively, after 6-9 months of observation. For IgM antibodies, the decline in the proportion of positive donors was statistically significant (p = 0.002) during 12 months observation, for IgG only the decline at 3 months was statistically significant (p = 0.042). Four donors exhibited notable increases in antibody levels. In conclusion, persistent SARS-CoV-2 IgA antibodies and IgG antibodies at 6-9 months are present in approximately three of four individuals with previous mild to moderate COVID-19.

Evidence of HIV pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) among blood donors: a pilot study, England June 2018 to July 2019.

OBJECTIVE: Due to increased use of pre-exposure prohylaxis (PrEP) and its potential to affect HIV screening of blood donors, we undertook antiretroviral residual testing among HIV-negative male donors in England. METHODS: Residual plasma samples were obtainnd from 46 male donors confirmed positive for syphilis and 96 donors who were repeat reactive for HIV antibodies in screening but confirmed as HIV-negative by reference testing. These were tested for concentrations of tenofovir and emtricitabine by high-performance liquid chromatograhpy coupled with mass spectrometry. RESULTS: We found evidence of pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) use in three male blood donors confirmed positive for syphilis (3 out of 46 screened, 6.5%). Two were estimated to have taken PrEP/PEP within a day of donating, and the third within 2 days. Two were new donors, whereas one had donated previously but acquired syphilis infection after his last donation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that a small proportion of blood donors have not been disclosing PrEP/PEP use and therefore donating in non-compliance to donor eligibility criteria.

Assessment of serum iron stores in regular plateletpheresis donors.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder in the world. Iron deficiency is a potential complication in repeated apheresis donation. The present study was aimed to evaluate serum iron stores in regular plateletpheresis donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 donors were included in this study, which included 30 regular plateletpheresis donors as cases and controls were 30 first time donors. The donor samples were collected before donation for complete hemogram, transfusion transmissible infections screening and serum iron, total iron binding capacity, percentage saturation of transferrin and serum ferritin. RESULTS: Out of 60 donors, more than half of the donors (56.6 %) had serum ferritin less than 30 ng/mL. Out of these 34 donors, 25 were from the case group and 9 donors in the control group. The median serum ferritin level in cases and controls was 11.86 ng/mL (Interquartile range 4.18-17.34 ng/mL) and 37.92 ng/mL (Interquartile range 27.87-86.20 ng/mL) respectively (p < 0.001). The mean serum iron in cases and controls was 71.23 ± 31.32 µg/dL and 93.53 ± 33.53 µg/dL respectively (p = 0.016). The mean percentage saturation in cases and controls was 20.09 ± 9.31 % and 26.26 ± 9.03 % respectively (p = 0.012). A significant decline in mean serum ferritin with increase in number of annual donations and decrease in donation interval was observed. DISCUSSION: Regular plateletpheresis donation may lead to depletion of iron stores and subclinical iron deficiency. Donors with high platelet count are more likely to exhibit iron deficiency. Periodic serum ferritin estimation in donors participating in regular plateletpheresis donation is warranted.

Análise do perfil de Rh e Kell em doadores de sangue em Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul / Phenotypic profile analysis of Rh and Kell blood group systems among donors in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

Introdução: A hemoterapia é uma prática terapêutica pelo meio de transfusão sanguínea. Devido ao baixo estoque de bolsas de sangue e o aumento de pacientes crônicos e emergenciais, se faz necessária a realização de testes imuno-hematológicos para minimizar os riscos de reações transfusionais e aloimunizações em doadores e receptores de sangue. Deste modo, no estudo foi avaliada a prevalência dos antígenos dos sistemas Rh e Kell em doadores de sangue de Porto Alegre ­ RS.Métodos: Estudo quantitativo, transversal e retrospectivo que foi realizado através da análise das informações dos doadores de sangue contidas no banco de dados do Hemocentro do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, nos anos de 2018 e 2019.Resultados: Das 6.479 amostras fenotipadas, quanto ao sistema Rh, 44,6% são Rh positivo e 55,4% são Rh negativo. As frequências dos antígenos encontradas foram de, CC 10,1%, Cc 27%, cc 62,9%, EE 1,2%, Ee 13,9%, ee 84,9%. E, para o sistema Kell, K1 positivo 7,1% e K1 negativo 92,9%.Conclusões: Antígenos do sistema Rh e Kell exibem um grande nível de imunogenicidade e uma forte ligação com a Doença Hemolítica do Recém-nascido, podendo ocorrer a sensibilização em pacientes caso não haja a compatibilidade sanguínea. Este estudo ressalta a importância da implementação da fenotipagem eritrocitária em doadores de sangue, sugere-se mais estudos com períodos distintos para a pesquisa de resultados satisfatórios.

Introduction: Hemotherapy is a therapeutic practice consisting of blood transfusion. Low blood supply and an increase in chronic and emergency patients have made it necessary to conduct immunohematology tests to minimize the risks of adverse reactions and alloimmunization in donors and recipients. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of Rh and Kell blood group antigens among blood donors in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.Methods: We conducted a quantitative, cross-sectional, retrospective study. Information from blood donors included in the Rio Grande do Sul's Blood Center database from 2018 to 2019 were analyzed.Results: A total of 6,479 samples were phenotyped, of which 44.6% were Rh-positive and 55.4% were Rh-negative. Antigen prevalence was CC (10.1%), Cc (27%), cc (62.9%), EE (1.2%), Ee (13.9%), and ee (84.9%). As for the Kell group, 7.1% were K1-positive and 92.9% were K1-negative.Conclusions: The Rh and Kell antigens are highly immunogenic and have a strong link with the hemolytic disease of the newborn. Sensitization may occur in patients if there is no blood compatibility. This study highlights the importance of implementing erythrocyte phenotyping in blood donors. Further studies should be conducted in different time frames to achieve satisfactory results.

Analyses of blood donor samples from eight provinces in Lao PDR suggest considerable variation concerning HBV exposure and carriage.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B is endemic in Lao PDR and about 9% of the adult population is chronically infected. In this study, we investigated regional, occupational, age and sex-related differences in hepatitis B epidemiology in Lao blood donors. METHODS: 5017 voluntary blood donors from 8 different provinces were tested for hepatitis B markers by ELISA. Predictors for the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against the core antigen (anti-HBc) were assessed by bivariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: In total, 41% of the participants were positive for anti-HBc; the HBsAg prevalence was estimated at 6.9% among all participants (9.2% among first-time donors and 3.9% among repeat donors). Among first-time donors, HBsAg positivity was associated independently with being male (p<0.001), being from the North (p<0.001) and being soldier (p<0.001). Participants were more likely to be anti-HBc positive when they were male (p<0.001), from the Northern provinces (p<0.001) and older than 20 years (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study confirmed an overall high HBsAg and anti-HBc prevalence in Lao PDR, albeit with considerable regional variation. The identification of a sizeable number of HBsAg positives among repeat donors warrants a thorough investigation of current blood screening, record keeping, donor identification and counselling practises.

A novel high performing multiplex immunoassay Multi-HTLV for serological confirmation and typing of HTLV infections.

BACKGROUND: Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Viruses (HTLV) type 1 and type 2 account for an estimated 5 to 10 million infections worldwide and are transmitted through breast feeding, sexual contacts and contaminated cellular blood components. HTLV-associated syndromes are considered as neglected diseases for which there are no vaccines or therapies available, making it particularly important to ensure the best possible diagnosis to enable proper counselling of infected persons and avoid secondary transmission. Although high quality antibody screening assays are available, currently available confirmatory tests are costly and have variable performance, with high rates of indeterminate and non-typable results reported in many regions of the world. The objective of this project was to develop and validate a new high-performance multiplex immunoassay for confirmation and discrimination of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 strains. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The multiplex platform was used first as a tool to identify suitable antigens and in a second step for assay development. With data generated on over 400 HTLV-positive blood donors sourced from USA and French blood banks, we developed and validated a high-precision interpretation algorithm. The Multi-HTLV assay demonstrated very high performance for confirmation and strain discrimination with 100% sensitivity, 98.1% specificity and 100% of typing accuracy in validation samples. The assay can be interpreted either visually or automatically with a colorimetric image reader and custom algorithm, providing highly reliable results. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The newly developed Multi-HTLV is very competitive with currently used confirmatory assays and reduces considerably the number of indeterminate results. The multiparametric nature of the assay opens new avenues to study specific serological signatures of each patient, follow the evolution of infection, and explore utility for HTLV disease prognosis. Improving HTLV diagnostic testing will be critical to reduce transmission and to improve monitoring of seropositive patients.

Prevalence of COVID-19 among blood donors: The Jordan University of Science and Technology experience.

ABSTRACT: The corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, had health and economic results that profoundly affected communities worldwide. Investigating the seroprevalence of SARS-Cov-2 in blood donors is of a significant clinical and scientific value as it adds to knowledge about local herd immunity levels.To study the prevalence of SARS-Cov-2 infection among blood donors at a tertiary referral hospital in the north of Jordan.This is a prospective study that included all blood donors between September 2020 and March 2021. Donors' IgG antibodies were qualitatively immunoassayed to determine the antibody status against SARS-CoV-2. The Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 technique was utilized.One thousand samples were tested by total antibody against SARS-CoV-2. The median age was 29 years, 96.7% were males. The seroprevalence was 14.5%, and 80% of the positive participants did not report previous COVID-19 infection. The seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies was less among smokers and those with an O blood group and higher among donors with an AB blood group.The prevalence of COVID-19 among healthy young blood donors at a tertiary teaching health facility in the north of Jordan was 14.5%. Smokers and those with an O blood group were less likely to be seropositive, as opposed to donors with an AB blood group.

Serological Evidence of Zika Virus Infection in Febrile Patients and Healthy Blood Donors in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, 2017-2018.

Several Zika virus (ZIKV) seroprevalence studies have been conducted in Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Americas, and the Caribbean. However, studies on ZIKV seroprevalence are limited in Malaysia though several studies have shown that the disease is endemic in the Malaysian state of Sabah. To evaluate the seroprevalence of ZIKV infection, 818 serum samples were collected from febrile patients and healthy blood donors from the Kudat and Kota Kinabalu districts in Sabah from 2017 to 2018. They were screened for ZIKV infection by IgM and IgG ELISA, and positive ZIKV IgM samples were subjected to a 90% neutralization test for confirmation. Twenty-four (6% [95% CI 4 to 8]) confirmed and two (0.5% [95% CI 0.13 to 1.8]) probable ZIKV infections were detected among 400 febrile illness patients. Of 418 healthy blood donor samples, six (1.4% [95% CI 0.65 to 3]) were determined as confirmed ZIKV infections and six (1.4% [95% CI 0.65 to 3]) indicated probable ZIKV infection. This is the first study on the seroprevalence of ZIKV infections among patients and healthy blood donors in Sabah. Compared with previous studies in Malaysia, this study shows that the incidence of ZIKV infection has increased. It also suggests that a sero-surveillance system is essential to determine the circulation of ZIKV in Sabah, Malaysia.

The Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in the Adult Turkish Population: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Prevalence Study in Blood Donors in Mersin Province.

BACKGROUND: The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus that causes acute hepatitis, and can become chronic in immunocompromised patients, though this is rare. The frequency of HEV infection varies, depending on factors such as geographical region, socioeconomic level, and age. Despite limited studies on the adult population in Turkey, there is no current information about HEV frequency in our country. Therefore, we aimed to scrutinize the data found from such studies, in comparison to our own results. METHODS: A total of 900 volunteers who applied to donate blood to the University Hospital Blood Center and accepted the use of their data were enrolled in the study. Serum anti-HEV IgG antibody (Ab) was examined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays method. The donors' location, occupation, and animal contact status were determined. In addition, we evaluated the full text and conference papers (in Turkish or English) of Turkey-based HEV seroprevalence studies from 1990-2020, investigating the adult population. RESULTS: The average age of the 900 volunteers in the study was 35.22 ± 9.60 years, of whom 889 (98.7%) were men. Anti-HEV IgG was positive in 12.8% of the serum samples. The average age of the volunteers who were seropositive was 40.40 ± 9.72 years, and 98.2% were men. No association was found between anti-HEV IgG positivity and occupation, place of residence, and contact with animals. An evaluation of the studies conducted in Turkey reveals that the average HEV infection seroprevalence is 9.52% in the healthy population, and the prevalence is increased in the region of Southeastern Anatolia. Patients with acute hepatitis and hemodialysis also had increased rates. CONCLUSION: The anti-HEV IgG seropositivity rate in healthy blood donors in Mersin province was 12.8%, and was similar to the rates reported earlier in our country. However, this rate, found in a sample of individuals from a healthy society, causes concern about what the frequency may be in sick people. Wide-ranging community screening is needed.