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Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
Medknow Publications on behalf of Indian Journal of Medical Sciences Trust
ISSN: 0019-5359 EISSN: 1998-3654
Vol. 58, Num. 7, 2004, pp. 306-307
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Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, Vol. 58, No. 7, July, 2004, pp. 306-307
Letter To Editor
Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in blood donors
Patel Yogini
Rotary DG Goenka Blood Bank, BSES MG Hospital, SV Rd, Mumbai - 400 058
Correspondence Address:Rotary DG Goenka Blood Bank, BSES MG Hospital,
SV Rd, Mumbai - 400 058 bloodbank@ghrc-bk.org
Code Number: ms04055
Gupta N et al[1] have presented interesting data on seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in blood donors. Although they mention about correlation between HIV and syphilis, no data has been provided for the same. HCV, HIV, HBV and syphilis have similar route (sexual) of transmission, it is surprising that while there is correlation between HIV and syphilis, there is no correlation between syphilis and HCV or HBV. It would be interesting to see correlation between HBV and HCV, between HIV and HBV and HIV and HBC. They also mention that positivity for anti-HBc was more than positivity of HBsAg, whereas the data shows Anti-HBc positivity in 0.11% and HbsAg positivity in 0.66%. Although authors state that serological testing for syphilis serves as surrogate test for HIV infected donors, this cannot be accepted in practice and every unit of donated blood has to be tested for HIV irrespective VDRL result. From the same institute, during a six year period from 1994 to 1999 (60780 donors) prevalence of HCV, HIV and HBsAg was reported to be 0.78%, 0.26% and 1.7% respectively.[2] It is seen that over a period of time prevalence of HCV and HIV has increased whereas that of HBsAg has decreased. Decrease in HbsAg prevalence could perhaps be related to increasing use of HBV vaccine.
REFERENCES
| 1. | Gupta N, Kumar V, Kaur A. Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in voluntary blood donors. Indian J Med sci 2004;58:255-6. Back to cited text no. 1 |
| 2. | Kaur H, Dhanoa J, Pawar G. Hepatitis C infection amongst blood donors in Punjab- a six year study. Indian J Hematol Bld Transfn 2001;19:21-2. Back to cited text no. 2 |
Copyright 2004 - Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
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