Risk of transfusion-related hepatitis and HTLV-1 in Barbados - abstract

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) among blood donors in Barbados, with a view to reviewing the blood bank screening practices currently in place. Blood samples from 1,022 consecutive blood donors were collected and stored. Samples were then tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to surface and core antigens of hepatitis B (anti-HBs) and anti-HBc, respectively, hepatitis C (HCV), and HTLV-1. HBsAg was found in 0.98 per cent, anti-HBs in 7.24 per cent, anti-HBc in 8.4 per cent (n=619), anti-HCV in 2.57 per cent (n=894) and anti-HTLV-1 in 1.4 per cent (n=708). It is recommended that while screening of blood donors is adequate for hepatitis B infection, urgent consideration should be given to additional screening for hepatitis C and HTLV-1 (AU)