Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among Blood Donors Attending National Blood Transfusion and Research Center in Sana'a City, Yemen: Warning Sign

Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Sana'a city: Yemen.

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the National Blood Transfusion and Research Center in Sana'a City, Yemen; during the period from October 2016 to January 2017.

Methodology: We included 3606 subjects (99.2% men, 0.8% women; age range 16-45 years) who enrolled in this study. The estimation of the prevalence of anti-HIV antibody was done using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique. Testing of blood donors specimens was performed at the laboratory virology unit.

Results: Out of 3606 blood donors who enrolled in this study, 0.6% donors were found to be reactive for the anti-HIV antibody, 82.0% of them were among blood donors residing in Sanaá Capital city. The prevalence rate of HIV was higher among students (0.9%), followed by military (0.8%), professional workers (0.6%), and handicrafts (0.4%). Half (50%) of HIV seropositive was detected among the age group 26-35 years old with prevalence rate 0.7%, followed by 16-25 and 36-45 years old with an account 0.6% and 0.5% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: A substantial percentage of HIV seroprevalence was detected among our Yemenis blood donors. A strict selection of blood donors with the concern on getting voluntary donations is necessary.