Transfusion of blood and blood products is a life saving intervention and benefits
in numerous patients worldwide. At the same time it could be an ominous mode of
infection transmission to recipients. Human Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis
C Virus (HCV) are considered the most spread transmitted-blood viruses
worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and
HCV in the blood Saudis persons (including patients, donors) and non-Saudis
(including cases of extraction of patients and donors) who came to Al-Quwayiyah
General Hospital, Saudi Arabia, over the last 6 month (June 2014 to December
2014). According to the data recorded at Al-Quwayiyah General Hospital, Saudi
Arabia, over the last 6 month (from June 2014 to December 2014), 1629 blood
samples and 586 blood donors were subjected for serodiagnosis of HBV and HCV
using Enzymes Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Out of 1629 blood
samples, 18 (1.10%) had serological evidence of infection with at least one virus,
either HBV or HCV. These included 8 (0.49%) with HBV and 10 (0.61%) with
HCV. Out of 586 blood donors, 6 (1%) had serological evidence of infection with
at least one virus, either HBV or HCV. These included 4 (0.68%) with HBV and 2
(0.34%) with HCV. The drop in HBV and HCV prevalence rates are likely
multifactorial and may have resulted from more diligent donor questioning upon
screening, a higher level of public awareness on viral hepatitis as well as the
expansion of HBV vaccination coverage in Saudi Arabia. |
