SEROLOGIC PREVALENCE OF HTLV AMONG BLOOD DONORS IN MASHHAD (NORTHEASTERN IRAN)

Background-HTLV is a lymphotropic virus which can contribute to carcinogenesis in adult T-cell leukemia. The prevalence of this virus in Northeastern Iran has led us to investigate more accurately its serologic prevalence. Methods-A total of 229,037 blood donors were studied during a 4-year period by using Micro-ELISA and Western Blot (WB) assays. Positive results in both tests were considered and Cases with ambiguous results were checked by PCR. Results-Among all the blood donors under study, 2,634 cases were HTLV positive. The elimination of repeated donation resulted in the identification of 2,167 blood donors who actually carried the virus in their blood. The male to female ratio was 3:1 and the total prevalence of this virus was found to be 1.16% [CI 95%=1.11%-1.21%]. Discussion-As one fifth of cases infected with this virus had donated blood more than once in this study, it would be better if a system was implemented to recognize these subjects and to prevent them from further donations. All blood donations must be accurately studied for the presence of HTLV.