Syphilis Seroprevalence Among Blood Donors in Punjab, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study
Implications for Blood Safety and Donor Screening Policy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1071/ejmbs.v5i2.46Anahtar Kelimeler:
Treponema pallidum- syphilis- immunochromatographic assay- potential riskÖzet
Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, remains an important sexually transmitted and transfusion-transmissible pathogen worldwide. Despite national blood-screening initiatives in Pakistan, the true burden of syphilis among blood donors remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of T. pallidum antibodies among blood donors in District Faisalabad and District Toba Tek Singh, and to evaluate demographic and behavioral risk factors associated with infection. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 400 volunteer blood donors (n=200 from each district). Serum samples were screened for T. pallidum antibodies using a rapid immunochromatographic assay (Inst-Answer, USA). Demographic variables and potential risk factors were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests and odds ratios, with significance set at P < 0.05. The overall seroprevalence of syphilis was 3.75% (15/400). Prevalence was higher in Faisalabad (5%) than Toba Tek Singh (2.5%), though not statistically significant. Age was significantly associated with infection (P = 0.008), with the highest prevalence in individuals >40 years (10.34%). Males showed a slightly higher prevalence (3.83%) than females (2.85%), but the difference was not significant. Lower educational status was associated with higher seropositivity, although not significantly. Marital status showed significant association, with married individuals exhibiting higher prevalence (5.97%) than single individuals (1.85%) (P = 0.033). A history of previous blood transfusion was strongly associated with syphilis (6.66% vs. 2.26%, P = 0.008; OR = 4.62). Donors with previous blood-donation history showed a higher prevalence (4.65%) than first-time donors (3.50%), although this was not statistically significant. The findings indicate a moderate burden of T. pallidum among blood donors in the study region, with age, marital status, and prior transfusion identified as significant risk factors. Gaps in awareness, sexual health education, and blood-screening practices may contribute to ongoing transmission. Strengthened screening protocols, targeted public health education, and comprehensive risk-reduction strategies are essential to minimize syphilis transmission through sexual contact and blood transfusion.
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