Abstract

Tawfique AlZubiery, Talal Alharazi*, Hafez Alsumairy, Amar Jabir, Manal Muckbil and Majedi Saleh

ABSTRACT

Background: Substantial percentage of HBV cases were reported among our population. Blood transfusion represent major rout transmission of Hepatitis B virus. The recent situation in Yemen increase the demand of blood and its products due to anemia, accidents, malnutrition, etc. Objective: The aim of the study was to estimate the current prevalence of HBsAg and total anti-HBc among blood donors in Sana’a, Yemen. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the National Blood Transfusion and Research Centre in Sana'a Yemen, during the period from October 2016 to January 2017. A total of 3606 blood donors were included in this study. Serum was separated from each blood specimens, and then they were analyzed for the presence of HBsAg, total Anti-HBc antibodies using an Enzyme Immunoassay technique according to manufacture instructions. Results: The result of this study shown that, 4.1% and 14.0% donors were found to be reactive for HBsAg and anti-HBc respectively. The overall prevalence of HBV (HBsAg and/or anti-HBc positive) was 16.2%. According to the residency of the blood donors, a high percentage of HBsAg were observed among donors from Raymah 10.8% and Almahwet 10.3% governments followed by Alhudidah 7.0%. However, the lowest of HBsAg among blood donors coming from Capital city of Sana'a, Sana'a rural area and Taiz government was 3.9%. 3.6% and 3.5% respectively. In other hand, anti-HBc was found higher among donors from Raymah followed by Almahwet. Alhudidah and Albaidah governorates as 35.1%, 25.9%, 20.9%, and 20.0% respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that our subjects still under the moderate to high-risk communities.