Seroprevalence of Transfusion-transmitted Infections Among Multi-transfused Patients in Southwest Iran, Khuzestan Province

Background: Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) continue to be a problem in many parts of the world and multi-transfused patients are at a particularly increased risk for TTIs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among multi-transfused patients in Khuzestan Province. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 349 multi-transfusion patients referred to the Hemoglobinopathy and Thalassemia Research Center from January 2007 to February 2008. Results: Out of 349 patients, 205 (58.7%) and 144 (41.3%) were men and women, respectively. Mean ( ±SD) age of the participants was 18.70±9.18 years. Of these 349 multi-transfused patients, 206 (59%) had thalassemia, 87 (24%) hemophilia, and 56 (16%) sickle cell anemia. The overall prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV were 0.6% (95% CI: 0-1.56), 28.4% (95% CI: 27.4-29.3), and 0.9% (95% CI: 0-1.86), respectively. The data indicate that anti-HCV positivity was significantly associated with an older age (P 0.001), longer duration of transfusion (P 0.001), and frequency of transfusion (P 0.001). Conclusion: Although it seems more sensitive screening tests and stringent donor selection procedures has reduced HCV infection, TTIs in multi-transfusion patients are still a serious risk for these patients. More stringent policy for blood product usage and continuous awareness programs for medical staff, general population, and patients are required to reduce the incidence of TTIs.