Impact of Regular Blood Donation on Body Iron Stores at Saudi Blood Donors

Introduction: One of the most frequent observations in long-term blood donation is chronic iron deficiency, which can develop into anaemia. The majority of blood screening methods employed by blood banks do not incorporate iron-status markers, which may result in potential subclinical iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated blood donation on the levels of iron in the body and to guide blood donors in preventing the depletion of iron stores. Methods: Regular blood donors were categorised into distinct groups according to the number of donations they gave, and then the correlation between these groups and their bodies’ iron levels was examined. Different parameters were employed to identify iron deficiency and iron depletion in blood donors: serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum iron. Results: The study included 300 individuals who regularly and willingly donated blood. There were no iron insufficiency cases among those donating blood for the first time (Group I). However, 15.5% of individuals who had donated once before (Group II) had ferritin levels of 15 - 30 μg/dl (ng/ml), indicating reduced iron stores. The rate increased to 18% (37 out of 206 individuals) among regular blood donors (Groups III, IV, and V). Iron deficiency (depletion) prevalence among regular blood donors in Groups III, IV, and V was 5.9% (12 out of 206) and 50.4% (100 out of 206). Donors who had donated blood most frequently had the lowest levels of haematological markers MCH, MCHC, and TIBC. Provide the p-values representing the differences between the means of MCV, MCH, iron, TIBC, and ferritin levels when comparing donor groups with the control group (Group I) based on the frequency of donations. Indicate statistically significant differences where the p-value is less than 0.0125. This significance level is adjusted based on the Bonferroni method, considering multiple independent tests. The result shows that the Iron parameter for the comparison between Group I and Group III and Group I and Group IV suggests a statistically significant difference in iron levels between these donor groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that a higher times of donations lads to a higher occurrence of depleted iron stores and subsequent erythropoiesis with iron deficiency by one donor from every three healthy donors. The iron and ferritin concentrations were within the normal range in group one (Control group) and reduced in the other four groups (G-2 to G-5). However, the level of haemoglobin remained within an acceptable range for blood donation. This outcome suggests that it may be necessary to reassess the criteria for accepting blood donors. The average serum ferritin levels were examined in all five groups (G-1 to G-5), both for males and females, and significant variations were seen among the groups under study. This study found that 35% of the individuals who regularly donate blood have iron-deficient anaemia (sideropenia). This suggests that it would be beneficial to test for serum ferritin at an earlier stage, ideally after three donations.

Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B in Blood Donors at the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre in Guinea

Blood transfusion saves lives and reduces morbidity and mortality for a large number of diseases and clinical conditions, but it is not without danger. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV and hepatitis B in blood donors received at the regional Blood Transfusion Centre of N’Zérékoré (Guinea). This was a 5-year retrospective analytical study. We included records of blood donors aged 18 to 60 years admitted to the N’Zérékoré Regional Blood Transfusion Centre for blood donation from January 2016 to December 2020. We performed a descriptive analysis followed by Chi-2 or Fish-er-exact tests and the Student or Wilcoxon test, followed by multivariate logistic regression. In this study, donor age ranged from 18 - 60 years, with a pre-dominance of donors aged 25 - 34 (44.2%). Male donors were the most represented in our study (79.0% versus 21.0% female). More than half of the donors were blood group O (55.6%). We observed a seroprevalence of 3.6% for HIV, 13.4% for HBsAg and 0.2% for co-infection. In our series, age 25 - 34 (OR = 1.89 and P = 0.001) and 35 - 44 for HIV (OR = 2.01 and P = 0.001), HBsAgserostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR of 3.04 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HIV positivity (P < 0.05). In our study, HIV serostatus (OR = 3.04 and P = 0.001) and blood donation history (OR = 0.01 and P = 0.001) were factors associated with HBsAgseropositivity. We reported a high prevalence of HIV and HBsAg. Sex, serological status and blood donation history were associated factors.

Occurrence of Salmonella Enteric Serovar Typhi Antibodies among Blood Donors in Ghana

Background: Donated blood contaminated with S. Typhi can cause post-transfusion sepsis. This study aimed to determine the correlation between some risk factors of typhoid fever and seroprevalence of antibodies against S. Typhi among blood donors. Methodology: Following informed consent, socio-demographic and information on risk factors of typhoid infection was obtained using pre-structured questionnaires from 400 apparently healthy blood donors at the Tema General Hospital. Blood was also collected for serology and cultured for identification of pathogens by standard bacteriological method. Results: Blood culture did not reveal any S. Typhi isolate out of the tested 400 (348 males and 52 females) samples from apparently healthy blood donors. However, IgM and IgG antibody seroprevalence of 9.3% and 3.5% were detected. Age group of 17 - 24 years was the highest risk group, persons with a history of typhoid infection, and sources of drinking water were major risk factors for typhoid infection. It was also observed that prevalence of IgM was highest among new donors (62.2%), but lower in donors with a history of 1 to 3 blood donations (32.4%) and least among regular donors (>3 donations (5.4%)). In addition, typhoid prevention awareness and typhoid knowledge (knowledge about typhoid transmission) among the donors were poor (4.3% and 5.9% respectively). Conclusions: This study has shown an overall seroprevalence of 9% and 3.5% for IgM and IgG antibodies respectively among blood donors in the Tema area in Ghana. We advocate for the mandatory screening of donor units intended for transfusion for S. Typhi. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for the health education of all persons in Ghana on preventive measures and the spread of S. Typhi.

Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C among Blood Donors at the Agadir Regional Transfusion Center

Introduction: The prevention of transmission of infections transmitted by blood transfusion depends on the correct selection of donors and the performance of adequate serological tests for the detection of pathogens, in particular viral hepatitis B and C viruses. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the seroprevalences of viral markers B and C in blood donors in the Agadir region. The secondary objectives were to evaluate these prevalences according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the donors and to evaluate the seroprevalence of other markers, in particular the human immunodeficiency virus. Methods: A retrospective analysis of files from the blood donor registers of the Agadir regional transfusion center, covering the period from 1 January to 31 December 2020, was conducted. Results: The study included 13,092 donors, the mean age was 34 ± 11, the M/F sex ratio was 2.6. The overall seroprevalences of HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV were respectively: 1.3%, 0.2% and 0.3% respectively. For HBsAg, the prevalence was higher in men (p = 0.007). The prevalence of anti-HCV was higher in rural areas than in urban areas (p Conclusion: The low prevalences of viral markers B and C in our study compared to those recorded in the general Moroccan population reflect the effectiveness of preventive measures with regard to donor selection.

Investigation and Analysis of HIV Infection among Unpaid Blood Donors in Wuzhou City

Objective: To take the unpaid blood donors in Wuzhou City as the research object, analyze the characteristics and prevalence of HIV infection, further explore its epidemiological characteristics, and lay a solid foundation for the recruitment of unpaid blood donors and the safety of blood transfusion, so as to reduce the risk of HIV transmission through blood transfusion. Methods: This paper collected the anti-HIV test results of unpaid blood donors and the confirmation results of reactive samples from 2015 to 2020, and carried out statistical analysis on the relevant information of positive samples. Result: From 2015 to 2020, a total of 233,242 unpaid blood donors were tested, and the positive rate of anti-HIV initial screening was 0.057% (132/233,242), and the positive rate of anti-HIV confirmed was 0.022% (51/233,242);the comparison of positive rates in each year was P < 0.05. Among the total number of infections, 76.47% (39/51) of confirmed positive persons were infected with HIV alone, followed by combined TP infection, accounting for 15.69% (8/51);for the people between 46 and 55 years old, the infection rate was the highest, reaching 37.3%;and more men (90.2%) were infected than women. In terms of education background, junior high school and below were the majority, accounting for 58.83% of the total;in terms of marital status, the number of unmarried people was 27, accounting for 52.9%. In terms of occupation, there were two main groups: farmers and workers, accounting for 66.7% of the total number of infections, and students accounting for 15.7%. Among the confirmed positives, the proportion of first-time blood donors and whole blood donors was higher than that of those who donated blood again or donated component blood. Conclusion: The situation of HIV infection among unpaid blood donors in Wuzhou City was relatively stable from 2015 to 2020, with no significant change in the absolute number of infected people compared to the previous period (the HIV infection rate from 2010 to 2013 was 0.03%), and most of them were males, unmarried people and those with low education. Therefore, attention must be paid to the consultation and recruitment of blood donors before blood donation, as well as the HIV screening in the laboratory after blood donation, so as to ensure the safety of clinical blood use.

Haematology Parameters of Apparently Healthy Prospective Whole Blood Donors in a Nigerian Hospital Setting

Background: Adequate selection of a prospective whole blood donor protects his health and safety of the recipient. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to determine the haematology parameters of apparently healthy prospective whole blood donors. Participants and Methods: This was a hospital based prospective study carried out from August to October 2020 at the blood transfusion unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Nigeria. A structured pretested questionnaire was used for data collection. The socio demographic status and the haematology parameters of apparently healthy prospective whole blood donors who tested negative for HIV, hepatitis B and C markers were captured. Obtained data were analysed with the statistical package for the social scientist software version 20. Results: One hundred male (97.1%) and three female (2.9%) apparently healthy prospective whole blood donors were studied. The median age of study subjects was 30 years. Obtained median haematology parameter values were 13 g/dl, 40%, 4.9/nl and 203.9/nl for haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, total white cell and platelet counts respectively. The median values for the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of participants were 32.6 g/dl, 27.7 pg and 85.7 fl respectively. Observed prevalence of subnormal haematology parameters for haemoglobin concentration, total white cells, platelets were 12.6%, 25.2%, and 13.6% respectively. Also subnormal values for MCHC, MCH, MCV were 11.7%, 26.2%, and 16.5% respectively among prospective whole blood donors in this study. No higher than normal haematology parameter values were observed. Median values for erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 8.4 mm/hr. Conclusion: A significant percentage of apparently healthy prospective whole blood donors had subnormal haematology parameters values. Obtained normal values in our study are comparable with local reference range reports from previous studies in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. 124947 .

High frequencies of HGV and TTV infections in blood donors in Hangzhou

AIM: To determine the frequencies of HGV and TTV infections in blood donors in Hangzhou. METHODS: RT-nested PCR for HGV RNA detection and semi-nested PCR for TTV DNA detection in the sera from 203 blood donors, and nucleotide sequence analysis were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-two (15.8%) and 30 (14.8%) of the 203 serum samples were positive for HGV RNA and TTV DNA, respectively. And 5 (2.5%) of the 203 serum samples were detectable for both HGV RNA and TTV DNA. Homology of the nucleotide sequences of HGV RT-nested PCR products and TTV semi-nested PCR products from 3 serum samples compared with the reported HGV and TTV sequences was 89.36%, 87.94%, 88.65% and 63.51%, 65.77% and 67.12%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The infection rates of HGV and/or TTV in blood donors are relatively high, and to establish HGV and TTV examinations to screen blood donors is needed for transfusion security. The genomic heterogeneity of TTV or HGV is present in the isolates from different areas.

Current testing strategies for hepatitis C virus infection in blood donors and the way forward

Screening tests for blood donations are based upon sensitivity, cost-effectiveness and their suitability for high-throughput testing. Enzyme immunoassay (EIAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies were the initial screening tests introduced. The &#x0201d;first generation&#x0201c; antibody EIAs detected seroconversion after unduly long infectious window period. Improved HCV antibody assays still had an infectious window period around 66 d. HCV core antigen EIAs shortened the window period considerably, but high costs did not lead to widespread acceptance. A fourth-generation HCV antigen and antibody assay (combination EIA) is more convenient as two infectious markers of HCV are detected in the same assay. Molecular testing for HCV-RNA utilizing nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) is the most sensitive assay and shortens the window period to only 4 d. Implementation of NAT in many developed countries around the world has resulted in dramatic reductions in transfusion transmissible HCV and relative risk is now &#x0003c; 1 per million donations. However, HCV serology still continues to be retained as some donations are serology positive but NAT negative. In resource constrained countries HCV screening is highly variable, depending upon infrastructure, trained manpower and financial resource. Rapid tests which do not require instrumentation and are simple to perform are used in many small and remotely located blood centres. The sensitivity as compared to EIAs is less and wherever feasible HCV antibody EIAs are most frequently used screening assays. Efforts have been made to implement combined antigen-antibody assays and even NAT in some of these countries.

Anti-HBc screening in Indian blood donors:Still an unresolved issue

AIM:To study the seroprevalence of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) in healthy blood donors negative for HBsAg and to evaluate whether anti-HBc detection could be adopted in India as a screening assay for HBV in addition to HBsAg. METHODS: A total of 1700 serum samples collected from HBsAg-negative healthy blood donors were tested for the presence of anti-HBc antibody (IgM + IgG). All samples reactive for anti-HBc antibody were then investigated for presence of anti-HBs and for liver function tests (LFTs). One hundred serum samples reactive for anti-HBc were tested for HBV DNA by PCR method. RESULTS: Out of 1700 samples tested, 142 (8.4%) blood samples were found to be reactive for anti-HBc. It was signif icantly lower in voluntary (6.9%) as compared to replacement donors (10.4%, P = 0.011). Seventy- two (50.7%) anti-HBc reactive samples were also reactive for anti-HBs with levels > 10 mIU/mL and 70 (49.3%) samples were non-reactive for anti-HBs, these units were labeled as anti-HBc-only. These 142 anti-HBc reactive units were also tested for liver function test. HBV DNA was detected in only 1 of 100 samples tested. CONCLUSION: Keeping in view that 8%-18% of donor population in India is anti-HBc reactive, inclusion of anti- HBc testing will lead to high discard rate. Anti-HBs as proposed previously does not seem to predict clearance of the virus. Cost effectiveness of introducing universalanti-HBc screening and discarding large number of blood units versus considering ID NAT (Individual donor nuclic acid testing) needs to be assessed.

Healthy ranges of serum alanine aminotransferase levels in Iranian blood donors

AIM: The healthy ranges for serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT) levels are less well studied. The aim of this study was to define the upper limit of normal (ULN) for serum ALT levels, and to assess factors associated with serum ALT activity in apparently healthy blood donors. METHODS: A total of 1 939 blood donors were included.ALT measurements were performed for all cases using the same laboratory method. Healthy ranges for ALT levels werecomputed from the population at the lowest risk for liver disease. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate associations between clinical factors and ALT levels.RESULTS: Serum ALT activity was independently associated with body mass index (BMI) and male gender, but not associated with age. Association of ALT with BMI was more prominent in males than in females. Upper limit of normal for non-overweight women (BMI of less than 25) was 34 U/L,and for non-overweight men was 40 U/L.CONCLUSION: Serum ALT is strongly associated with sex and BMI. The normal range of ALT should be defined for male and female separately.

TT virus and hepatitis G virus infections in Korean blood donors and patients with chronic liver disease

AIM:To determine the prevalences of TTV and HGV infections among blood donors and patients with chronic liver disease in Korea,to investigate the association of TTV and HGV infections with blood transfusion,and to assess the correlation between TTV and HGV viremia and hepatic damage. METHODS:A total of 391 serum samples were examined in this study.Samples were obtained from healthy blood donors(n=110),hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)-positive donors(n=112),anti-hepatitis C virus(anti-HCV)-positive donors(n=69),patients with type B chronic liver disease (n=81),and patients with type C chronic liver disease(n=19). Trv DNA was detected using the hemi-nested PCR.HGV RNA was tested using RT-PCR.A history of blood transfusion and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)were also determined. RESULTS:TTV DNA was detected in 8.2%of healthy blood donors,16.1%of HBsAg-positive donors,20.3%of anti- HCV-positive donors,21.0%of patients with type B chronic liver disease,and 21.1%of patients with type C chronic liver disease.HGV RNA was detected in 1.8%of healthy blood donors,1.8%of HBsAg-positive donors,17.4%of anti-HCV-positive donors,13.6%of patients with type B chronic liver disease,and 10.5%of patients with type C chronic liver disease.The prevalence of TTV and HGV infections in HBV- or HCV-positive donors and patients was significantly higher than in healthy blood donors(P<0.05), except for the detection rate of HGV in HBsAg-positive donors which was the same as for healthy donors.There was a history of transfusion in 66.7%of TTV DNA-positive patients and 76.9%of HGV RNA-positive patients(P<0.05).No significant increase in serum ALT and AST was detected in the TTV or HGV-positive donors and patients. CONCLUSION:TTV and HGV infections are more frequently found in donors and patients infected with HBV or HCV than in healthy blood donors.However,there is no significant association between TTV or HGV infections and liver injury.

Serological and molecular study of hepatitis E virus among illegal blood donors

AIM： To investigate the seroprevalence and molecular characteristics of hepatitis E virus （HEV） in the illegal blood donors （IBDs） of central China in the early 1990s.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis Delta Virus Transmission among HBsAg Positive Blood Donors in Brazzaville, Congo

Background: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. It is a major cause of severe acute and chronic hepatitis B. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HDV in blood donors. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving HBsAg-positive blood donors covering the period from July to December 2020. Testing for HDV RNA was performed by conventional two-step RT-PCR. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22 software. Result: Of 113 HBsAg positive samples included in the study 22 or 19.5% were HDV positive. The prevalence of HDV was higher in the age group 31 - 45 years (45.5%), in male donors (71.4%) and in donors with secondary education (50.0%). Furthermore, 55.4% belonged to the family donor category. A significant statistical difference was observed between HDV infection, tattoos, piercings and multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of HDV among blood donors in Brazzaville.

High Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Compared to Human Immunodeficiency Virus among Blood Donors in Bangui

Introduction: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a public health problem worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: to compare the epidemiological, clinical and biological characteristics of chronic HBV and HIV infection in blood donors at the National Center for Blood Transfusion (NCBT) in Bangui. Patients and Methods: This was an 8-month analytical cross-sectional study from August 10, 2011 to April 9, 2012. During this study, we consecutively enrolled consenting blood donors of both sexes in which the search for HBsAg and HIV infection was carried out. Results: During the study period, 850 blood donors were collected. HBsAg was found in 142 donors (16.7%), of whom 55 blood donors (6.5%) were coinfected with HIV. On the other hand, HIV serology was positive in 77 blood donors (9.1%) including 55 co-infected (6.5%) with HBV. In order to better compare the risk factors, we have not included HIV-HBV coinfected patients. Only 795 blood donors were selected for the risk factor study. There were 87 cases of HBsAg positive (10.9%) and 22 cases of HIV positive (2.8%). The average age of HIV and HBV infected patients was 25.7 and 26.2 years, respectively. Twelve blood donors (1.5%) over the age of 20 were HBsAg versus 3 HIV positive blood donors (0.4%). Among blood donors over the age of 20, 75 (9.9%) were HBsAg positive, while 19 (2.4%) were HIV positive. Men were infected with HIV in 20 cases (2.5%), while those infected with HBV were 84 (10.6%). The risk factor found during HIV infection and HBV was unprotected sex with a p of 0.0038 and 0.0017 respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection is higher than that of HIV among blood donors in Bangui. The setting up of a national viral hepatitis control program, which will develop screening, treatment and vaccination actions could make the curve bend.

Investigation on HTLV Infection among Voluntary Blood Donors in Wuzhou City

Objective: To understand the infection of HTLV among voluntary blood donors in Wuzhou City, and to provide reference for the national health administrative department to formulate blood safety screening strategies. Methods: The HTLV double-antigen sandwich ELISA reagent was used to screen the blood samples of unpaid blood donors, and the reactive samples in the initial screening were subjected to a double-well retest;Specimens that were still reactive in the retest were further confirmed by viral nucleic acid amplification test (PCR) and western blotting (WB). Results: A total of 9 of 20,222 unpaid blood donation samples were screened to be reactive, and the screening response rate was 0.04%;Two samples of HTLV-1 nucleic acid and western blotting (WB) were confirmed to be positive, and the other seven samples were negative;The confirmed positive rate was 0.01%. Conclusion: There was a certain positive rate of HTLV-1 serological screening among the non remunerated blood donors in Wuzhou City, and the confirmation test confirmed that there was a certain risk of HTLV infection;In order to further understand the HTLV infection of blood donors in this city, we should further increase the number of screening samples, so as to obtain more reliable and accurate data in this region, and provide data and reference for the health administration department to formulate HTLV screening strategies for blood donors.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Should Not Be the Only Sought Marker to Distinguish Blood Donors towards Hepatitis B Virus Infection in High Prevalence Area

Since its discovery by Blumberg in 1965, the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is used as the fingerprint of hepatitis B infection. Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is defined by a viral replication (DNA detectable) in the absence of HBsAg. Burkina Faso is a high endemic area where the prevalence is higher than 14%. At the National Center for Blood Transfusion (NCBT) of Ouagadougou, HBsAg is the only sought marker used to distinguish donors towards Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Acceptation of blood donation is based specifically on the absence of HBsAg, which exposes to the risk of HBV transmission during transfusion. The goal of this study is to evaluate this risk by determining the prevalence of OBI in blood donors. Patients and Methods: It was a five-month prospective study on blood donations collected from January to May 2016. The HBc antibody has been sought in the serums of negative HBsAg donors. The measure of B DNA by Real Time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and that of antibodies anti-HBs have been proposed to anti-HBc positive donors. Abdominal ultrasound, the transaminases, prothrombin level, alphafeto-proteins, hepatic fibrosis have been proposed to donors who were detectable for the DNA. Sociodemographic parameters have been collected. The test costs were borne by donors who were recalled by phone to adhere to the study. Results: Among 1980 negative donors HBsAg, 872 (44%) were positive for anti-HBc. 160 on 872 donors were received for consultation, among which 76 (76/160) were able to realise DNA which was detectable in 25 donors on 76, thus a prevalence of 32.8%. The mean value of DNA was 953 IU/ml. Physical examination and hepatic ultrasounds were normal except a case where hepatic steatosis was found. The biologic standard hepatic results were in normal range. None of the patient was able to realise hepatic fibrosis evaluation. A case of co-infection HIV/OBI was noted. Conclusion: This study shows that in Burkina, almost half of blood bags transfused are anti-HBc positive and around one third (32.8%) probably have HBV DNA. This poses a potential risk of contamination for non-immunized recipient. It is thus important that, in addition to HBsAg, Anti-HBc should be systematically sought in order to minimize the risk.

High-risk Sexual Behavior among HIV-positive Former Commercial Blood Donors in Rural Eastern and Central China

Objective： To investigate high-risk sexual behavior among HIV-positive former commercial blood donors in rural central and eastern China. Methods： From December 2003 to May 2004, a crosssectional study was conducted to investigate demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, condom use, and knownHIV status among HIV-positive commercial blood donors.A total of 796 subjects were recruited for the study. Results： Of the 796 study subjects, 53.0% （258/487） did not use condoms, 10.9% （53/487） inconsistently usedcondoms, and 36.1% （176/487） consistently used condoms with a steady sex partner in the past threemonths. Age （OR, 0.57; 95% CI： 0.39, 0.82）, years of education （OR, 1.90; 95% Ch 1.27, 2.84） and known HIVstatus （OR, 1.66; 95% CI： 1.12, 2.45） were independently and positively associated with condom use with a steady sex partner. Of those subjects without a steady sexual partner in the past year, 63.6% （14/22） did not use condoms, 9.1% （2/22） inconsistently used condoms, and 27.3% （6/22） consistently used condoms. Conclusion： HIV counseling and education should be focused on HIV-positive blood donors to prevent a secondary spread of HIV through unsafe sexual practices.

Emerging Trends of Drug-Resistant HIV-1 among Drug-Treated Patients in Former Blood Donors in Hubei,China:a Three-Year Surveillance from 2004 to 2006

This study aimed to evaluate emerging trends of drug resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) among 290 former blood donor HIV-1 infected patients in Hubei, China, from 2004 to 2006, all of whom had received anti-HIV-1 therapy. The presence of NRTI- and NNRTI-associated mutations were established by sequencing; genotypic and predicted phenotypic drug resistance were evaluated using HIVdb Program version 5.0.1 (http://hivdb.stanford.edu/ pages/algs/HIVdb.html). Genotypic drug resistance analysis showed significant increases in percentages of patients carrying HIV-1 strains with M41L, T215Y/F, D67N, K103N, G190A/S, Y181C/F or L210W mutations. Of the variants' predicted phenotypic drug resistance, highly significant increases were detected in percentages of patients carrying HIV-1 with high resistance to zidovudine (AZT) or stavudine (D4T) in NRTIs, and to delavirdine (DLV), efavirenz (EFV) or nevirapine (NVP) in NNRTIs; intermediate resistance to abacavir (ABC), AZT, D4T, didanosine (DDI) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in NRTIs, and to etravirine (ETR) in NNRTIs; and low and potential low resistance to lamivudine (3TC), ABC, emtricitabine (FTC) or TDF in NRTIs, and to ETR in NNRTIs.

Serum folate status among blood donors in south-central China

Folate deficiency has been confirmed to be related to various diseases.Unfortunately,there are few reports on the folate status of Chinese adults.This study aims to evaluate the serum folate status of blood donors in south-central China.In this study,248 blood donors were included.The information on subjects was collected by a brief questionnaire concerning alcohol consumption habits,smoking habits,fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity.The serum folate concentration was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.The geometric mean serum folate concentration was 13.4 nmoll-1(95%CI,12.7-14.1).The prevalence of serum folate concentrations below 6.8 nmoll-1 was 5.2%(95%CI,2.5-8.0).There were significant differences in serum folate concentrations with respect to sex(p-values<0.05),age(p-values<0.05),fruit and vegetable consumption(p-values<0.05),and alcohol consumption habits(p-values<0.05).The concentration of serum folate increased with age(p-values<0.05)and fruit and vegetable consumption(p-values<0.05).Individuals with an age of 30 years or younger were nearly 3.5 times as likely as those aged over 30 years to have an insufficient level of serum folate(OR=3.48;95%CI:1.01-11.99).An age of 30 years or younger was a risk factor for folate deficiency.Most blood donors had sufficient serum folate concentrations in south-central China.National surveys of folate status should be implemented in China.