JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Multi–transfused patients (MTPs) are at higher risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) due to their frequent needs for blood transfusion. Nevertheless, little is known about the prevalence of TTIs among MTPs and its associated factors in Yemen.

Objective:

Determine prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its associated factors among MTPs

Methods:

A Cross sectional study was conducted at the Yemeni Society for Thalassemia and at Pediatric Leukemia Unit in Sana’a City. The 357 calculated sample size was increased to 405 to overcome any non-response. Using Probability Proportional to Size sampling, 80 Thalassemia patients (TPs), 240 Sickle cell anemia patients (SCAPs) and 85 Leukemia patients (LPs) were randomly selected. Data was collected through face-to-face interview with patients or their caretakers using a predesigned questionnaire covers demographic, socioeconomic characteristics and TTIs associated factors. Blood samples were drawn and tested for HBsAg, Anti HCV, HIV I & II using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results:

The overall prevalence of TTIs among MTPs was 13.1% and significantly highest (37.3%) among LPs. HBV (16.2%) and HCV (27.5%) prevalence also highest among LPs. Only two patients (0.04%) found to be HIV positive among SCAPs. Co-infection with HBV and HCV was only found in five LPs. There was a significant association between TTIs and receiving > 30 blood units. Only 35% of MTPs found to be vaccinated against HBV.

Conclusions:

: Findings raise an alarm for the existence of high risk of TTIs among MTPs especially among LPs and with increasing number of transfusions. Using advanced technology in blood screening, and strict infection prevention during transfusion should be adopted. Rational use of blood/blood substitutes and ensuring MTPs vaccination against HBV were recommended.