Seroprevalence of transfusion transmitted infections among blood donors in Hargeisa, Somaliland: a retrospective study

Blood transfusions save millions of lives each year, but are also associated with significant health risks, including transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). The World Health Organization recommends mandatory screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV), and syphilis prior to transfusion. This study presents the first screening results from a public blood bank in Somaliland. Records from blood donors attending the blood bank of Hargeisa Group Hospital, Somaliland from January 2020 throughout December 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Blood donations were screened using rapid diagnostic tests for HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV and syphilis. Screening results and baseline demographic data were collected from all unique blood donors. Among the 19,021 blood donors, 18,989 (99.8%) were male and the median age was 29 (interquartile range 25-35) years. A total of 310 (1.6%) individuals had one of the four TTIs screened for, of whom 226 (73%) were HBsAg positive. The seroprevalence of HIV was 0.1%; HBsAg 1.2%; anti-HCV 0.1%; and syphilis 0.3%. No co-infections were found. The most common TTI was hepatitis B virus infection. The reported seroprevalence of TTIs was low compared to other studies in the region.