Of transfusion transmissible infections among voluntary blood donors in Homabay, Kisumu and Siaya counties in western Kenya

Abstract

Objective: Since the implementation of a series of blood donation safety improvements in Kenya, information about

seroprevalence and determinants of transfusion transmissible infections among voluntary blood donors especially in

high HIV burden regions of Homabay, Kisumu and Siaya counties remain scanty. A cross-sectional study examining

HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C virus sero-markers and associated determinants was conducted among voluntary blood

donors. Their demographic characteristics and previous risk exposure were recorded in a pre-donation questionnaire,

while blood samples collected were screened for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency viruses by ELISA

and RPR (syphilis), then confirmed using CMIA.

Results: Overall TTIs seroprevalence was 114 (9.4%), distributed among HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis at 14 (1.15%), 42

(3.46%), 39 (3.21%) and 19 (1.56%), respectively, with co-infections of 3 (0.25%). There were no significant differences

in proportions distributions among demographic variables. However, high risk sex was significantly associated with

higher odds of HBV infections [> 1 partner vs. 0–1 partner; odd ratio (OR) 2.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.098–6.86;

p = 0.046]. In conclusion, a substantial percentage of blood donors still harbor transfusion transmissible infections

despite recent safety improvements with greater majority cases caused by HBV infections arising from previous exposure

to high risk sex.