Screening for viral markers in volunteer and replacement blood donors in West Africa

• DOI: 10.1046/j.1423-0410.2001.00023.x
• Publication Date: 2003-03-12T23:38:05Z
• Authors: F. Sarkodie; M. Adarkwa; Y. Adu‐Sarkodie; D. Candotti; J. W. Acheampong; J. P. Allain
• Keywords: Volunteer; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C

Background and Objectives West Africa is a highly endemic area for viral infections. The prevalence of five markers was determined in Ghanaian blood donors. Materials Methods Replacement volunteer donors were screened using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), human immunodeficiency virus antibodies (anti‐HIV), HIV p24 antigen, T‐cell lymphocytotrophic virus‐I ‐II (anti‐HTLV‐I/II) C (anti‐HCV). Results HBsAg present at an equally high frequency (15%) young (median age 18 years) older replacement 33 In contrast, the anti‐HIV anti‐HCV significantly higher (2·4 0·3%, respectively, P < 0·001). HCV RNA detected 74 or 55% seropositive donors, depending on confirmatory criteria used. No antigen‐positive/anti‐HIV‐negative donations found. HTLV‐I/II generally low (0·5%). Conclusion All should be (HBV), markers.