HBV and HCV viral markers seroperevalence in first-time healthy blood donors refered to transfusion centers of bushehr province, South of Iran (April 2004 to March 2008)

The risk of infection by transfusion-transmitted viruses has been reduced remarkably. However, a zero-risk blood supply is still desirable. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) viruses are transmitted mainly by parenteral route, following which, a remarkable proportion of infected cases, may progress to chronic hepatitis. In this study we analyzed seroprevalence, demographic and epidemiologic characteristics of positive HBV and HCV cases in first time blood donors of Bushehr province.

In this cross-sectional study, 66873 first time donors who were referred for blood donation, according to the records registered in Bushehr province's blood transfusion organization during 5 years (April2004 to March2008), were studied. Donors had been passed the initial screening (ELISA) and confirmatory test (Western Blot) for HBs Ag and HCV Ab.

A total of 51884 people out of 66873 volunteers were able to blood sampled. We determine seroprevalence of HBV 0.47%(245 persons), HCV 0.33%(174 persons) and HBV-HCV co-infection 0.013%(7 persons).

In those who were infected by HBV: 94.7%(232 persons) were male and 84.9%(208 persons) were married. The majority of them were young, less than 30 years old, (37.60%) and undergraduate, below diploma, (43.67%) people.

In HCV infected persons: 97.7%(170 persons) were male and 71.84%(125 persons) were married. Furthermore the majority of these persons were undergraduate (62.64%) and young (42.19%) people.

We compared our results with those of other studies in near Bushehr provinces and concluded that the prevalence rate of HBV and HCV in our area is less than most of them and now we are in low prevalence state. In attention to Bushehr geographical situation it is an important note. In addition HBV-HCV co-infection is uncommon in our area. According to this fact that most of infected persons were young and undergraduate married men, these segments of society should be more considered.