Seropositivity of blood samples of 31,355 cornea donors from a tertiary care network of eye banks.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the seropositivity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis from blood samples of cornea donors and assess correlation between seropositivity for HIV and syphilis.

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis of blood samples of 31,355 cornea donors for HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis was performed. Postmortem blood samples were analyzed by a rapid screening test for anti-HIV envelope antibodies against HIV 1 and 2, HBV surface antigen, antibody to HCV and anti-cardiolipin antibodies for syphilis by rapid plasma reagin test.

RESULTS:

The overall seropositivity rate was 4.28% (1343/31,355 donors). All positive donors were reactive for a single serological test. The seropositivity rate for HIV was 0.93% (95% CI 0.83-1.04%), for HBsAg was 1.56% (95% CI 1.43-1.7%), for HCV was 1.19% (95% CI 1.08-1.33%) and for syphilis was 0.59% (95% CI 0.52-0.69%). The trends in seropositivity rates showed a decline for three viral markers: HIV (2010, 1.17% to 2018, 0.72%, p = 0.02), HBsAg (2010, 1.98% to 2018, 1.05%, p = 0.0006) and HCV (2010, 1.32% to 2018, 0.43%, p < 0.0001). The seropositivity rates for syphilis showed a progressive increase when compared to baseline (2010, 0.14% to 2018, 1.14%, p < 0.0001). There was no relationship between seropositivity for HIV and syphilis (p = 0.18).

CONCLUSIONS:

The overall seropositivity for HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis was 4.28%. Seropositivity was highest for HBV. The study did not find correlation between seropositivity of HIV and syphilis.

• Authors: Aravind Roy, Sujata Das, Merle Fernandes, Ashik Mohamed, Sunita Chaurasia
• Journal: International ophthalmology (Int Ophthalmol) Vol. 41 Issue 5 Pg. 1743-1751 (May 2021) ISSN: 1573-2630 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 33590371 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Blood Donors
• Cornea
• Eye Banks
• HIV-1
• Hepatitis B (diagnosis, epidemiology)
• Hepatitis C (diagnosis, epidemiology)
• Humans
• Retrospective Studies
• Seroepidemiologic Studies
• Tertiary Healthcare