Syphilis in blood donors: Pre-transfusion serological screening by Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test at the blood bank of a Teaching Medical Institute in North Gujarat, India

Introduction: Apart from sexual transmission, blood transfusion is the other common route of transmission for Syphilis. Aims & Objectives: To study prevalence of seroreactivity of Syphilis in blood donors of our geographical area in relations to their different demographic variables and co-infection with other TTI (Transfusion Transmissible Infections). Materials & Methods: Records of all blood donations and TTI testing at the blood bank of our teaching medical institute from April 2012 to March 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Data of all blood donors who were seroreactive for Syphilis were analysed in relations to their different demographic variables and results were interpreted accordingly. Results: Out of 6633 registered blood donors, 6360 were accepted including 6246 males (98.2%) and 114 females (1.8%) with 5597 Voluntary (88%) and 763 Replacement (12%) donors. Out of 6360, total 48 donors (0.75%) were found seroreactive for Syphilis including 45 males (0.72%) and 3 females (2.63%) with 39 Voluntary (0.70%) and 9 Replacement (1.18%) donors. Prevalence of Syphilis is comparatively high among age group of 46-55 years. Co-infection of Syphilis with HBV was 2.08%, while any co-infection with HIV, HCV and Malaria was not found. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of Syphilis in blood donors in present study is 0.75%. Even though trend of syphilis is declining, screening of blood donors should be continued to avoid the transmission of undiagnosed and untreated syphilis. Considering the limitations of RPR test, more sensitive and specific tests like Recombinant antigen based EIA and Rapid ImmunoChromatographic Strip (ICS) should be used if available and feasible.