Evaluating Plasmodium and Hepatitis B Virus Co-infection among Prospective Blood Donors in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Blood transfusion is vital in effective healthcare delivery and the elimination of transfusion-transmissible infection is necessary for blood safety; there is paucity of information on the Plasmodium and Hepatitis B co-infection among prospective blood donors in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection among blood donors in Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: A cross-sectional randomized study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from July to December 2023. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 500 consenting study participants and analysed using standard laboratory procedures (microscopy using Giemsa-stained blood films for Plasmodium, rapid serology assay diagnostic kits for hepatitis B virus and cell grouping antisera test for ABO blood group). All data generated were statistically analysed by SPSS version 23 using Chi-square test, frequency distribution and percentages with a P-value <0.05 considered significant. Results: The overall prevalence of Plasmodium, HBV and co-infection were 46.6%, 4.0% and 2.4% respectively (P<0.05). Study participants in age group 18 – 27 years had the highest prevalence for Plasmodium (57.0%). HBV (4.6%) and co-infection (3.0%). Males had a higher prevalence for Plasmodium (46.9%) while females had a higher prevalence for HBV (10.0%) and co-infection (5.0%). Students had a higher prevalence for Plasmodium (58.7%), HBV (5.7%) and co-infection (3.4%) while study participants with only primary education had the highest prevalence for Plasmodium (61.3%), HBV (9.7%) and co-infection (6.5%). Individuals with blood group O had the highest prevalence for Plasmodium (52.0%), HBV (4.7%) and co-infection (2.9%). Conclusion: Results from the study show that blood transfusion is a source of Plasmodium and HBV transmission. All blood from prospective donors should be properly screened by health practitioners for Plasmodium, HBV and other transfusion-transmissible infections which is essential for maintaining quality public health in Nigeria.