Prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV in blood donors in Semnan province (Iran) from 2011 to 2015

Introduction: Viral hepatitis and HIV are counted as major problems for health of all the communities. Despite remarkable advances in diagnosis, screening, and controlling of these diseases, still the virus transmission by the blood products is one of the most important challenges in blood transfusion centers. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV in healthy blood donors in Semnan province (Iran). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the personal data and lab analysis results of the blood donors who referred to Semnan Blood Transfusion Organization from March 2011 to February 2015 were assessed. The prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV in the blood donors were studied during this time. Results: This study was conducted on 42253 blood donors.  Within the four years of study, there were 100 cases positive for HBs Ag, 26 cases for HCV and 4 cases were positive for HIV. The prevalence of HBs Ag, HCV Ab and HIV Ab contamination among the donors were 0.237%, 0.062% and 0.009%, respectively.  The prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV were higher among the married men and first-time donors. Conclusion: According to the data from the current study, the prevalence of hepatitis infection in Semnan province is lower than many other parts of the world and Iran, which sounds very promising. Furthermore, due to the great need for blood supply, safe blood products and avoiding the waste of blood donor resources, it seems like that the screening process for determining high-risk cases is essential. Likewise, because of the very low prevalence of viral infections in regular blood donors, continuance of using the blood provided by the regular donors must be considered as the priority resource for safe blood supply.