Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses among Libyan Blood Donors in Sebha Medical Center

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, their magnitude is varies from country to another. They are transmitted through blood and its products as well. However, in Libya, most of the available data about these viruses are coming from mainly regional studies.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among Libyan blood donors attending the Blood Bank Unit in Sebha Medical Centre, Sebha, Libya, during the year 2006.

Materials and Methods: A total number of two thousand and two hundred thirty nine blood donors were assessed, all were apparently healthy males, and their age was between 20 and 50 years. Their serum was screened for hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV antibodies using an Enzyme Linked Immunoassay (ELISA, Biorex diagnostics, UK).

Results: The proportion of HBsAg positive results was 3.17% (71/2239) and the negative result was 96.83% (2168/2239) and the prevalence of anti-HCV antibody sero-positive result was 1.34% (30/2239) and the majority was 98.66% (2209/2239) sero-negative. Interestingly, we found 100% sero-negative HIV antibodies and syphilis (VDRL) among those donors.

Conclusion: Our results may indicate that the possibility of transmitting hepatitis B and C virus from blood donors to patients is low, especially for the hepatitis C, HIV and Syphilis. Nonetheless, restricted regulation on blood transfusion is required for further minimization of the risk of the infection.