Abstract:
Introduction. Romania has a high prevalence
of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood
donors in comparison with other European countries
(EU) countries. The aim of this study was to estimate
the hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositive status among
blood donors in Cluj County (Romania) and its recent
trend and to evaluate the association between
HCV infection and various risk factors in Cluj blood
donors.
Material and methods. During 2006-2009 for
every blood donors in the Cluj County Blood Transfusion
Centre (BTC), age, gender and HCV serological
status were collected; then, donors referred to Cluj BTC
from January to March 2012 completed a standardised
self-administered questionnaire. Trends of proportions
were tested. The data collected from first-time and repeat
donors were compared for possible risk factors for
hepatitis C virus infection using logistic regression.Results. 0.42% of 62,497 blood donors were
seropositive for HCV. HCV seropositive status increased
with age, being higher in women. During
3 months 1,100 blood donors were selected; 24.1%
were first-time donors, more often being reported:
age < 26 years, female gender and history of health
care procedures other than surgery.
Conclusion. The HCV seroprevalence among
Cluj County blood donors is higher than in other EU
countries and unusually higher in female donors.
Not all risk factors for blood borne infections can be
properly filtered out in blood donors (particularly
the sensitive behavioural risk factors - e.g. drug use,
sexual promiscuity), suggesting the necessity of
improving the health screening process in blood
donors.Material and methods. During 2006-2009 for
every blood donors in the Cluj County Blood Transfusion Centre (BTC), age, gender and HCV serological
status were collected; then, donors referred to Cluj BTC
from January to March 2012 completed a standardised
self-administered questionnaire. Trends of proportions
were tested. The data collected from first-time and repeat donors were compared for possible risk factors for
hepatitis C virus infection using logistic regression.Results. 0.42% of 62,497 blood donors were
seropositive for HCV. HCV seropositive status increased with age, being higher in women. During
3 months 1,100 blood donors were selected; 24.1%
were first-time donors, more often being reported:
age < 26 years, female gender and history of health
care procedures other than surgery.
Conclusion. The HCV seroprevalence among
Cluj County blood donors is higher than in other EU
countries and unusually higher in female donors.
Not all risk factors for blood borne infections can be
properly filtered out in blood donors (particularly
the sensitive behavioural risk factors - e.g. drug use,
sexual promiscuity), suggesting the necessity of
improving the health screening process in blood
donors.
