Changing trends of syphilis among blood donors in Bastar region, Chhattisgarh: A retrospective study: Changing trends of syphilis among blood donors

Alok Kumar; Veena Jyoti; Satyendra Prajapati; Rajesh Baghel; Nitin Gangane

Authors

Alok Kumar Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India
Veena Jyoti MBBS Student, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sewagram, Wardha, Maharashtra, India
Satyendra Prajapati Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India
Rajesh Baghel Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India
Nitin Gangane Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sewagram, Wardha, Maharashtra, India

Keywords:

Blood donors, prevalence, syphilis

Abstract

Background and Aim: Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) shows regional variations. Various epidemiological studies report a diminishing prevalence of syphilis including other bacterial STIs and a rising incidence of viral STIs. However, a resurgence of syphilis has been observed and reported. The aim of our study was to find out the trends of syphilis among blood donors in Bastar region. Materials and Methods: This study was carried in a blood bank, attached to the Government Medical College in Bastar region, Chhattisgarh. This was a retrospective study. A total of 12,680 blood donors were screened for syphilis during 3 years (from 2011 to 2013) by Syphichik Rapid Dipstick test (Modified Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay) and data was analyzed with respect to sero-reactive cases. Results: Out of 12,680 blood donors screened for transfusion transmitted infections, 134 donors were sero-reactive for syphilis, five donors had co-infections syphilis and hepatitis B infections, while four donors had syphilis with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Prevalence of syphilis was more in replacement donors than voluntary donors and was in raising trend. Conclusions: Prevalence of syphilis among blood donors was in raising trends in this region and was more in replacement donors. The most common co-infections in our study were syphilis with hepatitis B infection, followed by syphilis with HIV infection. Increasing prevalence of syphilis among the donors underscores the concern about growing infection of this disease in the community as these blood donors represent the highly selective community. Proper counseling prior to blood donation, brief medical examination of blood donors and awareness about syphilis among blood donors may increase the safety of blood as well as community.

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Changing trends of syphilis among blood donors in Bastar region, Chhattisgarh: A retrospective study