Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV infections represent a global public health problem. Transmission of these viruses occurs via blood and blood products transfusion and by sexual contact Citation1. The infections caused by the three viruses are not curable even with the latest available treatments. Effective vaccine is available only for HBV.
In Libya, Zaied et al. Citation2, reported frequency rates of 0.4, 2.6, and 3% for anti-HIV antibodies, HBs-Ag, and anti-HCV antibodies, respectively, which were also reported by Habas et al. Citation3 and Abudher et al. Citation4. However, the frequency of these viruses was not studied in blood donors in Libya.
In the Central Hospital in Tripoli, Libya, all potential blood donors were screened for detection of HBs-Ag, anti-HCV, and HIV antibodies. The ELISA immunoassay method (VitrosEciQ, Orthodiagnostic) was used. Out of 14,105 potential blood donors screened between January 2005 and December 2008, there were 181, 98, and 12 subjects found positive for HBs-Ag, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies, respectively (). The cumulative frequency of HBV, HCV, and HIV was 12.8, 6.9, and 0.9 per 1,000, respectively ().
Table 1. The frequency of HBV, HCV, and HIV among blood donors
Table 2. The cumulative frequency of HBV, HCV, and HIV among blood donors (per 1,000)
Here, we are reporting that the frequency of the HBs-Ag, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV among healthy blood donors is increasing. A previous study conducted in Tripoli in randomly recruited subjects using a multistage sampling technique reported that HBV and HCV infections were detected in 2.2% and 1.2%, respectively Citation4. Another study conducted during 2007 in Benghazi by Kutrani et al. revealed that 51.2% were infected with HBV, 46.9% with HCV, and 1.9% with hepatitis B and C Citation5.
In Libya, most of the blood donors are young men (20–40 years of age). It is known that this age group is usually in the high-risk group for drug abuse, unprotected sex, and other unsecure habits for the transmission of the virus.
From this primary report, it can be concluded that HBV, HCV, and HIV virus infection is a problem in Libya. A community-based study should be planned for targeting at risk and non-at risk subjects to investigate the extent of this problem and its impact on the community with an effort to develop preventive strategies.
Abdulatif Khmmaj, Elmukthar Habas, Massoud Azabi
Department of Medicine
Tripoli Central Hospital
Tripoli, Libya
AmnaRayani
Aljala Children Hospital, Tripoli, Libya
Related Research Data
References
- Lee SR, Peterson J, Niven P, Bahl C, Page E, DeLeys R, et al.. Efficacy of a hepatitis C virus core antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the identification of ‘window-phase’ blood donations. Vox Sanguinis. 2001; 80: 19–23.
- Zaied A, Elneihoum A, Elzouki A. Routine screening for anti-HIV antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis C antibodies among general hospital in-patients. JMJ. 2010: 8–21.
- Habas M, Khammaj A, Alhajarasi A. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C of screened subjects in Tripoli [abstract]. 6th Congress Maghrebin d'Hematologie, Congress National d'Hematologie, May2009: 67.
- Abudher A, Esmeo MN, Sammud M, Elzouki A, Tashani O, El-Gadi S. Prevalence of hepatitis B, C and HIV infections in Libya: how big are the problems?. Submitted to XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, 3–8 August2008.
- Kutrani H, El-Gatit A, Shekhteryea A, El-Gitait Y, Sudani O, Akoub S. DemoFigureic factors influencing hepatitis B and C infection in Benghazi. Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. East Mediterr Health J. 2007; 13: 85–97.