IJSRP, Volume 3, Issue 8, August 2013 Edition [ISSN 2250-3153]
Gira P. Mankad, S.P. Singh
Abstract:
There are many blood borne transfusion transmitted diseases. The most common among them is undoubtedly viral hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Patients with the history of multiple blood transfusions are at much greater risk of infection by contaminated blood products. Thalassemia major is one such condition where repeated blood transfusions are required. In our study a total of 218 patients were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen and HCV antigen in their serum. 08 (3.66%) were found to be HBsAg positive and 18(8.25%) patients were found to be HCV positive by third generation ELISA technique. This was compared to the data of donor population which were considered healthy at the time of blood donation. HBsAg seropositivity was 1.98% and HCV seropositivity was 1.09% in this population. This result clearly indicates high incidence of transfusion transmitted hepatitis in thalassemic patients and much higher incidence of HCV infection compare to donor population is a matter of concern and research.