Seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Syphilis among Irregular Voluntary Blood Donors at the National Blood Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS)/Bangui in the Central African Republic in 2022

Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to determine the seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis among irregular blood donors at the CNTS in CAR. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study conducted from January to December 2022, focusing on irregular blood donors. The survey included samples taken at blood collection sites in Bangui and surrounding areas. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and test results were collected through literature reviews and laboratory registers. Biological screening for HIV, HBV, and HCV was performed using a liquid-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with antibodies and/or antigens. A combined fourth-generation Linked Immunosorbent Assay was used for HIV and Hepatitis B and C viruses. Anti-treponemal antibodies were detected using the RPR Charbon diagnostic technique and confirmed by the Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination Assay if positive. Results: From January to December 2022, we registered 22,500 blood donors, of whom 6989 (31%) were first-time donors. Among these, 1574 (22.5%) tested positive for all four serological markers. The seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis infections was 5.56%, 10.11%, 0.18%, and 4.97%, respectively. The 26 - 35 age group was the most represented at 29.73%, followed by the 18 - 25 age group at 24.58%. Males accounted for 88.95%. Regarding occupation, 65.29% worked in the private sector, and the Free Union population showed a high frequency of 72.87%. Most first-time donors came from the 4th Arrondissement (26.73%). We found a significant association between the 18 - 35 age group (p = 0.0002) and syphilis. Civil servants and those working in the private sector showed a significant association with HIV (p < 0.05). Statistical tests showed significant associations between civil servants, those in the private sector, pupils/students, the unemployed, and HCV (p < 0.05). Single individuals and those in common-law relationships showed a statistically significant association with HIV, HBS, and HCV (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between those living in Bangui and syphilis (p < 0.009). The proportion of co-infections was 10.61% (167/1574), with a predominance of HIV/HBS co-infection in 5.40% of cases (85/1574), showing a significant association (p < 0.001), followed by HIV/Syphilis in 5.40% of cases (17/1574). Irregular donors were four times more likely to be co-infected with HIV/HBS (RR = 4.32). Statistical tests showed a significant association between irregular donors and different types of co-infection (p < 0.05). Conclusion : This study revealed a significant presence of HBS antigen, anti-HIV, and RPR antibodies in irregular donors in CAR, leading to a loss of status.