Submission ID 117990
| Issue/Objective | Syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain significant public health concerns, particularly in blood transfusion services (BTS), where they contribute to risks for recipients. Routine screening for these infections supports safer transfusions and reduces transmission risks. Syphilis can increase vulnerability to HIV infection through ulcerative lesions, which facilitate viral transmission. Understanding syphilis-HIV co-infection rates can guide dual screening programs, optimizing testing and intervention efforts. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis and HIV co-infection using blood donor data from J.J. Dossen Hospital over a four-year period. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This retrospective study analyzed blood donor laboratory test results from January 2019 to December 2023 at J.J. Dossen Hospital, Maryland County, Liberia. Syphilis screening was conducted using the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test in accordance with local protocols. While confirmatory testing, as recommended by WHO, was unavailable due to resource constraints, RPR is commonly used in resource-limited settings. HIV testing was performed on RPR-positive samples to assess co-infection rates. Data analysis included demographic factors such as age, marital status, and occupation. |
| Results | Among 1,868 donors (233 males and 1,635 females), 1.7% (32) tested positive for syphilis. The syphilis prevalence was 11.7% in males and 0.4% in females (male-to-female ratio of 4:1, p = 0.0029). Of the 32 syphilis-positive donors, 15.6% (5) were co-infected with HIV, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:2 (p = 1.000). Age was significantly associated with co-infection, with all co-infected donors aged 18-42 years. Additionally, 75% of co-infected donors were single, and 60% were working class (p = 0.0072). HIV prevalence among all donors was 0.5%, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1 (p = 0.128). |
| Discussion/Conclusion | This study highlights the need for routine syphilis and HIV screening in blood donors, especially targeting younger, unmarried, and male populations to enhance transfusion safety and inform public health strategies |
| Presenters and affiliations | Melvin P. Tamba Partners In Health Ssentamu John Vanglist Partners In Health Arnold Ayebare Partners In Health Leroy N. Kpokpah Partners In Health Sterman Toussaint Partners In Health Sarah Anyango Partners In Health Peters Chester James Jenkins Dossen Hospital Bill P. Davis James Jenkins Dossen Hospital Charles Jarsor James Jenkins Dossen Hospital Mervis Muvurungi Partners In Health Ahmadu K. Balde Ministry of Health, Maryland County Health Team, Liberia Varro D. Gray James Jenkins Dossen Hospital John Otuba Partners In Health Maxo Luma Partners In Health |
