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- Title
SEROPREVALENCE OF SYPHILIS INFECTIONS AMONG BLOOD DONORS IN TRANSFUSION MEDICINE UNIT, HOSPITAL UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA.
- Authors
M. N., Noor Haslina; W. M., W. Haslinda; D., Zakuan Z.; M. Y., Shafini; B., Rosnah
- Abstract
PURPOSE : Blood safety remains an issue of major concern in the transfusion medicine unit and transfusion-transmitted infections are the most commonly encountered complications in transfusion practice. Treponema pallidum is screened in blood banks routinely and this test is obligatory for transfusion safety. Our objective was to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis infection and the rate of biological false positive VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test among blood donors in the Transfusion Medicine Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. METHODS : A 2-year retrospective study from 2003 to 2004 was conducted at the Transfusion Medicine Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Serologic screening results and demographic data were analyzed from 14910 donors. RESULTS About 0.8% (134) donors were found to have VDRL screening reactive from the pilot tube. Repeat test was done from the body and 5.2% (7) were found to have syphilis infection as determined by a positive TPHA (Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay) test. We noted that biological false positive test was 14.1% (19). The prevalence of VDRL reactivity varied from 8% in 2003 to 1.6% in 2004. CONCLUSIONS : The seroprevalence of syphilis infection was higher in 2003 but decreased in 2004. Biological false positive reactions comprised a high proportion of all VDRL reactors and further testing is recommended. Syphilis should be excluded before blood is transfused and the VDRL test should remain the screening test of choice in blood transfusion service. Enhanced counseling and awareness could further reduce the number of cases of syphilis seroconversion among blood donors and improve blood transfusion safety.
- Subjects
MALAYSIA; BLOOD transfusion reaction; INFECTION; SYPHILIS; BLOOD donors
- Publication
Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2006, Vol 13, p209
- ISSN
1394-195X
- Publication type
Article