Frequency and characteristics of transfusion-transmitted infections in blood donors at a tertiary care facility in Pakistan
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By
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Komal Iqbal
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Sadia Farhad
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Malik Shayan Ali Khan
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Muhammad Hassan Jan
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Inbasat Zahra Khan
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Muhammad Umair
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Bilal Hassan
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Rafiullah Hotak
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March 9, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Frequency and characteristics of transfusion-transmitted infections in blood donors at a tertiary care facility in Pakistan
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) including HBV, HCV, HIV, syphilis, and malaria |
| Key Mechanisms | Transmission of infectious agents through blood transfusion due to infected donor blood and inadequate screening |
| Target Population | Blood donors and transfusion recipients, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan |
| Care Setting | Blood banks and tertiary care hospitals in low- and middle-income countries |
Key Highlights
- TTIs remain a significant threat to transfusion safety despite WHO-recommended screening protocols.
- Higher prevalence of TTIs observed in replacement donors compared to voluntary donors.
- Male donors aged 25-44 years show higher HBV prevalence; female donors aged 35+ years have higher HIV rates.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Mandatory serological screening of all donated blood for major TTIs including HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis as per WHO guidelines.
Management
- Promote voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation to reduce infection risk.
- Implement robust donor screening programs combined with vaccination strategies to prevent TTIs.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regular surveillance and epidemiological data collection on TTI prevalence stratified by age, gender, and donor type.
- Continuous monitoring of blood donor populations to identify high-risk groups.
Risks
- Higher TTI risk associated with replacement or family donors compared to voluntary donors.
- Increased risk in male donors aged 25-44 years for HBV and female donors aged 35+ years for HIV.
- Systemic and infrastructural limitations contribute to ongoing TTI transmission risks.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Blood donors at tertiary care facilities in Pakistan, predominantly young adult males.
Vaccination against HBV and combined preventive strategies with donor screening are essential to reduce TTI burden.
Clinical Best Practices
- Adhere strictly to WHO-recommended serological screening protocols for all blood donations.
- Increase voluntary blood donation rates to minimize reliance on higher-risk replacement donors.
- Enhance public awareness and education regarding safe blood donation practices.
- Develop region-specific surveillance systems to guide targeted interventions.
- Integrate vaccination programs with donor screening to sustainably reduce TTI prevalence.
References
