Prevalence and risk factors of Syphilis among blood donors of Punjab, Pakistan
https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.38.1.019
- Author:
Nawaz, Z.
1
;
Rasool, M.H.
1
;
Siddique, A.B.
1
;
Zahoor, M.A.
1
;
Muzammil, S.
1
;
Shabbir, M.U.
2
;
Javaid, A.
1
;
Chaudhry, M.
3
Author Information
1. Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
2. Medical Laboratory Technician, DHQ Hospital, Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan
3. Medical Laboratory Technician, DHQ Hospital, Okara, Punjab, Pakistan
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Prevalence;
Risk factors;
Syphilis;
Blood donors;
Pakistan.
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2021;38(No.1):106-110
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease and its actual prevalence among Pakistani blood
donors is currently unknown. A cross sectional study was conducted at different district
healthcare hospitals of Punjab, Pakistan with an aim to evaluate the prevalence and risk
factors associated with syphilis in blood donors using immunochromatographic test (ICT)
and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total (n=1200) blood samples were
collected from donors aged 18–65 years. All the information regarding personal data,
demographic data and risk factors was collected via structured questionnaire. On the basis
of ICT and ELISA, the overall prevalence of syphilis was 3.91% among blood donors. The
demographic factors positively linked with syphilis were age (P= 0.000; Odds ratio, OR= 7.18;
95% confidence interval CI= 2.816–18.295) and education status (P= 0.000; Odds ratio, OR=
12.33; 95% confidence interval CI= 3.469–43.849) of donors. Similarly among the risk factors
analyzed, marital status (P= 0.012; Odds ratio OR= 2.251; 95% confidence interval CI= 1.206-
4.202) and blood transfusion history (P= 0.030; Odds ratio OR= 1.981; 95% confidence interval
CI= 1.083-3.623) were also strongly associated with syphilis. We emphasized the importance
of promoting preventive measures for syphilis. The syphilis diagnosis should not be based
on a single test. The present study indicates that higher prevalence is alarming for blood
donors in Pakistan. Stringent donor screening is highly recommended to ensure maximum
safe blood transfusion.
- Full text:8.2021my1217.pdf
