Safety of Blood Maintained in Zimbabwe: Low Transfusion Transmissible Infections among Blood Donors

Background: Low level of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) is an indicator of a well-performing blood donor program. Aim: The study was designed to estimate the prevalence of TTIs and to evaluate the demographic characteristics of reactive and non-reactive blood donors in Zimbabwe in 2018. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using routinely available data from January to December 2018 in five branches of National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ). After initial screening for high-risk behavior with a questionnaire, weight, blood pressure and hemoglobin level, eligible donors were invited for blood donation. The following laboratory tests for TTIs were done: antibodies and antigen tests for human immunodeficiency virus 1 and 2 (HIV 1/2), tests for the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBV), testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody and antibodies for treponema pallidum. Information on age, gender, NBSZ branch, marital status, occupation, donor type (first time/repeat) and TTIs test results were extracted from the NBSZ electronic database (e-Delphyn blood bank software). Results: Out of a sample of 1586 blood donors, thirteen (0.81%) were reactive to at least one TTI marker; five (0.32%) were reactive for human immunodeficiency virus, seven (0.44%) for hepatitis B and one (0.06%) for syphilis. There were no samples with co-infection and hepatitis C virus markers. The prevalence of TTIs was highest in the 31 - 45 years age group (2.3%) and among first-time blood donors (4.7%). The prevalence of all TTI was low with the highest prevalence of 0.44% for the hepatitis B virus. Conclusion: Continued concerted efforts will help to maintain satisfactory blood safety in Zimbabwe.