Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Iranian Blood Donors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The probability of HIV transmission through contaminated blood and blood products is eye catching. 5%-10% of blood products are contaminated with HIV. Therefore, it is essential to provide safe blood supply to prevent transmission of infectious diseases. Current systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the weighted prevalence of HIV in Iranian blood donors. Methods: This study was reported according to PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews and meta- analysis. Required data were collected by using key words such as “HIV”, “blood donation” o‎r “blood donors”, “epidemiology” o‎r “prevalence”, “blood transfusion” and “Iran”, in international databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase and national databases including Magiran, IranMedex and Scientific Information Databank. Papers were searched until December 2017. Cochran’s Q test and I2 index were used to assess the heterogeneity among studies. Results: A total of 49 studies including 5 403 170 donors entered this meta-analysis. According to analysis, the prevalence of HIV-positive patients among Iran blood donors was estimated 7.9/100 000 (95% CI: 0.000052-0.000121%). The highest prevalence was related to the central region of Iran (11.3/100,000 [95% CI:0.000063-0.0002%]) and Kermanshah province (49.2/100 000 [95% CI:0.000273-0.000888%]) and the lowest prevalence was related to the eastern region (1/100 000 [95% CI:0.000001-0.000072%]) and Khorasan Razavi province (0.9/100 000 [95% CI:0.000001-0.000139%]. Conclusion: The overall HIV prevalence in Iranian blood donors is low and satisfying. However, the high prevalence in some regions and provinces should be reviewed more meticulously.