Association of Asymptomatic Malaria and ABO Blood Group among Donors Attending Asamankese Government Hospital

Background Transmission of malaria by blood transfusion remains a significant public health problem in the malaria endemic regions like Ghana. Consequently, a high risk of transfusion-transmitted malaria persists. Blood donors are not routinely screened for malaria parasites prior to donation, therefore the risk of transmission of malaria parasites to blood recipients and the likelihood of their development of clinical disease remains high. This study aimed to find out the frequency of malaria in apparently healthy blood donors of Asamankese Government Hospital and its association with ABO and Rh blood groups. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 323 blood donors at the Asamankese Government Hospital. Donor blood samples collected were analyzed for the detection of malaria parasites and ABO/Rh blood group. Questionnaire was used to gather socio-demographic characteristics. Results The most prevalent population of blood donors were blood group O and rhesus positive with 58.2 % and 91.0 % respectively. About 45.8 % were paid donors. The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in the population was 2.8 %. Rhesus positive blood group was significantly associated with decreased risk of asymptomatic malaria infection (OR =0.2, P =0.020). Blood groups A and AB were significantly associated with malaria infection (OR = 1.8, 15 and P = 0.432 and 0.030 respectively). Conclusion Study demonstrated a high prevalence of malaria infection among blood donors of Asamankese Government hospital with majority being paid donors. Blood group O and rhesus positive are protective against asymptomatic malaria infection.