Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus among Blood Donors in Republic of Congo

Background Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is blood borne pathogens that can be transmitted through blood transfusion and could pose a huge major public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV infection among blood donors. Methods This was a nationwide retrospective study conducted at Congo Blood Transfusion Center, between January and December 2015. The HIV serology was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Written informed consent was obtained from each patient. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 Software. A p value of less than0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 60137 blood donors were screened for HIV infection. They were 49899 males and 10238 females. Their ages ranged from 18 60 years. The prevalence of HIV was found to be 2.64 %. HIV infection was statistically significantly higher among male donors than female donors (p less than 0.01). The prevalence was higher among family donors and those of the 31-45 years age group. Conclusion These results indicate an endemicity of HIV infection in Republic of Congo. There is an urgent need to intensify HIV control programmes in order to reverse this dangerous trend in the prevalence of HIV infection among Congolese blood donors.