SCREENING OF HEPATITIS G AND EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUSES AMONG VOLUNTARY NON REMUNERATED BLOOD DONORS (VNRBD) IN BURKINA FASO, WEST AFRICA

In most sub-Saharan countries screening of blood-transmitted infections includes mainly HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis. Many viruses such as Hepatitis G (HGV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which also carry a risk of transmission by blood transfusion raise the question of the extent of screening for these pathogens. This work aims to evaluate the prevalence of HGV and EBV in first-time blood donors in Ouagadougou. The prevalence of HGV and EBV in 551 blood donors was 7.4% and 5.4% respectively. HGV prevalence was significantly higher in blood donors with hepatitis B antigens and positive for HCV compared to donors negative for HCV and no hepatitis B antigens (respectively p<0.001 and p=0.004). EBV prevalence was higher among blood donors of < 20 years age group. This study shows significant results with regard to the prevalence of HGV and EBV prevalence in blood donors in Burkina Faso and emphasizes the need for a general screening.

Simultaneous determination of HIV antibodies, hepatitis C antibodies, and hepatitis B antigens in dried blood spots –a feasibility study using a multi-analyte immunoassay

HIV in particular, as well as hepatitis B and C, present a burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Early detection of these diseases may prevent further infections and improve the outcome for patients. In particular, transmission of HIV from mother to child can be significantly reduced when preventive measures are taken before birth. We have developed and optimized a method for the simultaneous detection of HIV 1 and hepatitis B and C from dried blood specimensusing the Luminex multi-analyte profiling technology (LabMap). Dried blood spots provide a convenient method for mailing, analysis and storage of samples. Specimens from known HIV-positive children (n=46) as well as hepatitis B- (n=8) and hepatitis C-positive patients (n=7) tested positive in our assay. Storage for up to 10years did not interfere with the test in the case of HIV-positive patients. Results for five different antibodies and one antigen were obtained in approximately 80seconds. Furthermore, antibody levels in infants of HIV-positive mothers were monitored over a period of 1year. Antibodies were no longer detectable after 260–360days, which compared well with results independently obtained by ELISA and Western blot analysis. We demonstrated the feasibility of the simultaneous detection of infectious diseases from dried blood. Our novel method also provides a convenient tool for monitoring children from HIV-positive mothers and for possible screening efforts.