Evaluating Plasmodium and Hepatitis B Virus Co-infection among Prospective Blood Donors in Rivers State, Nigeria
Wogu, M. N. *
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Goodhead, D. A.
Department of Biology, School of Science Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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.
Keywords: Plasmodium, hepatitis B virus, co-infection, blood donors, Rivers State