Hepatitis C virus infection in blood donors in Cluj county, Romania

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.