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Research Article
Seroprevalence of Transfusion-transmissible Infections Among Blood Donors at the THIES Regional Hospital Blood Bank, Senegal (January–June 2024)
Malick Ndao*
,
Babacar Diagne,
Omar Gueye,
Fouad Benhammou,
Mor Ngom,
Mamadou Soumboundou,
Dominique Diouf,
Najah Fatou Coly,
Awa Ndong,
Thierno Issa Kourouma,
Fatou Sakho,
Amadou Bathily,
Cheikh Sall,
Roughyatou Ka,
Alioune Dieye
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-9
Received:
20 December 2025
Accepted:
4 January 2026
Published:
23 January 2026
Abstract: Background: Blood transfusion is an essential life-saving therapy but remains associated with a risk of transmitting infectious agents. In sub-Saharan Africa, transfusion-transmissible infections (TTI) such as HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis continue to pose a major challenge to blood safety. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of TTI among blood donors at the THIES Regional Hospital Blood Bank, Senegal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2024 among 2,599 blood donors aged 18–65 years. Serological screening for HIV, HBV (HBsAg), HCV, and syphilis was performed using validated rapid immunochromatographic tests. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed using R software. Results: The overall prevalence of TTI was 7.9%. HBV was the most prevalent infection (7.1%), followed by syphilis (0.4%), HIV (0.2%), and HCV (0.2%). One case of HIV/syphilis co-infection was identified. Male sex and replacement or family donor status were significantly associated with HBsAg positivity (p < 0.05). HIV seropositivity was significantly associated with first-time donor status (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Despite the low prevalence of HIV and HCV, the high burden of hepatitis B highlights the need for strengthened donor selection, vaccination strategies, and improved screening practices. Continuous surveillance remains essential to ensure transfusion safety in Senegal.
Abstract: Background: Blood transfusion is an essential life-saving therapy but remains associated with a risk of transmitting infectious agents. In sub-Saharan Africa, transfusion-transmissible infections (TTI) such as HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis continue to pose a major challenge to blood safety. This study aimed to ...
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Research Article
Erythrocyte Phenotype Profiling in Repeat Blood Donors:
A Cross-sectional Study in the Gbêkê Region, Côte d’Ivoire
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
10-16
Received:
3 February 2026
Accepted:
12 February 2026
Published:
26 February 2026
Abstract: The objective of this study was to catalogue clinically significant antigens of the Rh and Kell blood group systems among regular donors at the Regional Blood Transfusion Center (RBTC) of Bouaké. A total of 129 donors were included. ABO, Rh, and Kell typing were performed on samples collected from these donors using both slide and gel card methods. Among the donors, 120 (93.02%) were male and 9 (6.98%) female, aged between 19 and 58 years, with a mean age of 32.75 ± 7.9 years. The distribution of ABO phenotypes was as follows: O (49.6%, n = 64), A (17.1%, n = 22), B (27.1%, n = 35), and AB (6.2%, n = 8). Regarding the Rhesus (Rh) system, out of the 120 donors typed, 66 (51.2%) were RhD positive and 63 (48.8%) RhD negative. The most prevalent Rh antigens were c and e, each present in 99.2% of donors, followed by D (51.2%), C (17.1%), and E (10.3%). The observed Rh phenotypes were predominantly: ddccee (37.2%), Dccee (35.7%), ddCcee (11.6%), DccEe (8.5%), DCcee (4.6%), DccEE (1.6%), and DCCee (0.8%). The frequency of the Kell antigen (K) among these donors was 1.6%. The associated erythrocyte phenotypes were mainly O- cc dd ee K+ and O+ cc D Ee K+. The establishment of this erythrocyte phenotype database represents a valuable tool to enhance transfusion safety and reduce the risk of post-transfusion complications.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to catalogue clinically significant antigens of the Rh and Kell blood group systems among regular donors at the Regional Blood Transfusion Center (RBTC) of Bouaké. A total of 129 donors were included. ABO, Rh, and Kell typing were performed on samples collected from these donors using both slide and gel card methods....
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Research Article
Long-term COVID-19 Impact on Quality of Life Among Health Care Workers at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital: A 16-month Study
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
17-25
Received:
24 November 2025
Accepted:
4 January 2026
Published:
10 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.iji.20261401.13
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Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed unprecedented challenges on healthcare systems worldwide, with healthcare workers (HCWs) at the frontline facing significant risks. This study aims at the long-term COVID-19 impact on quality of life among HealthCare Workers at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital: A 16-Month Study, using SF-36 (Short-Form 36) scale to assess the physical and mental health of these patients. A retrospective analysis of the health outcomes of 58 (100%) quarantined Health Care Workers, comprising 34 males and 24 females aged between 25 and 71 years. The cohort included Medical Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory Scientists, Pharmacists, Public Health Officers, Medical Radiologists, Health Sanitation Officers, Biotechnicians, and Cleaners. Method: Utilizing data collected from the admission, discharge and follow-up register of the Infectious Disease Unit, using a proforma to include socio-demographic characteristics like gender, age, and occupation. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28. Variables were summarized as percentages and graphs. The variables were tested using Fisher’s Exact Test at a P- value of significance 0.515 (using a two-sided test). The p-value indicates no significant association between gender outcome (death/recovery) at typical significance levels. Purposeful sampling was used to rule out bias. Result: The number of female patients was 24 (41.38%), while 34 (58.62%) were males. A tofigtal number of 58 (100%). Tragically, 2 (3.45%) patients died while 56 (96.55%) patients were discharged home in good condition. Conclusion: This study represents the recovery and resilience of the HealthCare Workers post-COVID-19. Further study including longitudinal study will be highly informative and beneficial.
Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed unprecedented challenges on healthcare systems worldwide, with healthcare workers (HCWs) at the frontline facing significant risks. This study aims at the long-term COVID-19 impact on quality of life among HealthCare Workers at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital: A 16-Month Study, using SF-36 (Sh...
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