Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Treponema pallidum among First-Time Blood Donors in Lambaréné, a Semi-Urban Area of Gabon
Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, the high prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Treponema pallidum remains a major challenge for blood safety. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and Treponema pallidum among first-time blood donors in Lambaréné, a semi-urban area in central western Gabon. Methods: Screening for HIV, HBV and Treponema pallidum was performed using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Results: Of the 1530 predominantly male donors, 150 (9.8%) were seropositive for at least one infectious marker and 5 (0.33%) had serological suspicion of multiple infections. The overall seropositive of HIV, HBsAg and syphilis was 2.68%, 5.16% and 1.63%, respectively. The seropositivity of HIV and syphilis was not associated with either sex or donors’ age. Only HBsAg was significantly higher in donors of the age groups 20 - 29 years and ≥50 years compared to donors of the age group 30 - 39 years (7% vs 3.1, AOR = 2.24, P = 0.016; 13% vs 3.1, AOR = 4.5, P = 0.017). Conclusion: Low seropositivity of HIV, HBsAg and syphilis were found among first-time blood donors in Lambaréné compared to those reported in the general population or among blood donors in Libreville. This could be due to the difference of blood-borne epidemiology between Libreville and Lambaréné or the use of RDTs in the qualification of blood donations, which could underestimate the detection of TTIs, particularly in blood donors in the seroconversion phase.
References
[1]
Tagny, C.T., Owusu-Ofori, S., Mbanya, D. and Deneys, V. (2010) The Blood Donor in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review. Transfusion Medicine, 20, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3148.2009.00958.x
[2]
Allain, J. (2011) Moving on from Voluntary Non-Remunerated Donors: Who Is the Best Blood Donor? British Journal of Haematology, 154, 763-769. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08708.x
[3]
Bisseye, C., Mombo, L., Meyet Me Bie, S., Edou, A., Eko-Mba, J.M., Etho-Mengue, J., et al. (2018) Trends of Blood-Borne Infectious Diseases in a Rural Blood Donation Center of Southeast Gabon (Koula-Moutou). Pan African Medical Journal, 31, Article 81. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2018.31.81.16331
[4]
Eko Mba, J.M., Bisseye, C., Ntsame Ndong, J.M., Mombo, L.E., Bengone, C., Mouelet Migolet, G., et al. (2018) Prevalent Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among First-Time Blood Donors in Gabon. PLOS ONE, 13, e0194285. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0194285
[5]
Mba, J.M.E., Ndong, M.J.N. and Bisseye, C. (2017) Caractéristiques sociodémographiques associées au risque de transmission du VIH, du VHC et de Treponema pallidum par les donneurs de sang de premier don de Libreville (Gabon): Dynamique trisannuelle des infections de 2009 à 2015. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 11, 350-359. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v11i1.27
[6]
Bisseye, C., Eko Mba, J., Ntsame Ndong, J.M., Kosiorek, H.E., Butterfield, R.J., Mombo, L.E., et al. (2019) Decline in the Seroprevalence of Syphilis Markers among First-Time Blood Donors in Libreville (Gabon) between 2004 and 2016. BMC Public Health, 19, Article No. 167. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-6489-7
[7]
Tonda, J., Mickala, P., Mombo, L., Mengue, J.E., Mongo-Délis, A., Mbacky, K., et al. (2017) Séroprévalence du virus de l’immunodéficience humaine, des virus des hépatites B et C et de Treponema pallidum chez les donneurs de sang dans une zone rurale au sud-est Gabon (Koula-Moutou). Journal of Applied Biosciences, 110, 10783-10789. https://doi.org/10.4314/jab.v110i1.8
[8]
Hilaire Moundounga, K., Bourdettes, M., Thièry, N. and Patrick, M. (2022) Prevalence of Haemoparasites among Blood Donors Attending the Regional Hospital Center of Franceville (Southern Gabon). Journal of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, 8, Article 270. https://doi.org/10.23937/2474-3658/1510270
[9]
Dembele, B., Affi-Aboli, R., Kabran, M., Sevede, D., Goha, V., Adiko, A.C., et al. (2020) Evaluation of Four Rapid Tests for Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Ivory Coast. Journal of Immunology Research, 2020, Article ID: 6315718. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6315718
[10]
Boushab, B.M., Melaïnine Mohamed Limame, O.C., Zahra, F.F., Mamoudou, S., Roseline Darnycka, B.M. and Saliou, S.M. (2017) Estimation of Seroprevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B and C Virus and Syphilis among Blood Donors in the Hospital of Aïoun, Mauritania. Pan African Medical Journal, 28, Article 118. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2017.28.118.12465
[11]
Sumbu, B., Longo-Mbenza, B., Kasongo, E., Lomamba, O., Nuakafuti, Y., Bambi, G., et al. (2022) Epidemiological Surveillance of Blood Donors in Kinshasa, 2014-2018. Clinical Laboratory, 68. https://doi.org/10.7754/clin.lab.2022.211214
[12]
Eboumbou Moukoko, C.E., Ngo Sack, F., Essangui Same, E.G., Mbangue, M. and Lehman, L.G. (2014) HIV, HBV, HCV and T. palliduminfections among Blood Donors and Transfusion-Related Complications among Recipients at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala, Cameroon. BMC Hematology, 14, Article No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-1839-14-5
[13]
UNICEF (2014) Afrique génération 2030: La démographie enfantine en Afrique. UNICEF.
[14]
Allain, J., Anokwa, M., Casbard, A., Owusu-Ofori, S. and Dennis‐Antwi, J. (2004) Sociology and Behaviour of West African Blood Donors: The Impact of Religion on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. Vox Sanguinis, 87, 233-240. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1423-0410.2004.00578.x
[15]
Tagny, C.T., Diarra, A., Yahaya, R., Hakizimana, M., Nguessan, A., Mbensa, G., et al. (2009) Characteristics of Blood Donors and Donated Blood in Sub-Saharan Francophone Africa. Transfusion, 49, 1592-1599. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1537-2995.2009.02137.x
[16]
Onyango, C.G., Ogonda, L., Guyah, B., Okoth, P., Shiluli, C., Humwa, F., et al. (2018) Seroprevalence and Determinants of Transfusion Transmissible Infections among Voluntary Blood Donors in Homabay, Kisumu and Siaya Counties in Western Kenya. BMC Research Notes, 11, Article No. 171. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-018-3276-y
[17]
Okoroiwu, H.U., Okafor, I.M., Asemota, E.A. and Okpokam, D.C. (2018) Seroprevalence of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections (HBV, HCV, Syphilis and HIV) among Prospective Blood Donors in a Tertiary Health Care Facility in Calabar, Nigeria; an Eleven Years Evaluation. BMC Public Health, 18, Article No. 645. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5555-x
[18]
Ahmed, E.B., Essa, A.A., Almugadam, B.S., Ahmed, Q.M. and Hussein, M.M. (2020) Transfusion Transmitted Infections among Male Blood Donors of White Nile State, Sudan: Screening of the Current Seroprevalence and Distribution. BMC Research Notes, 13, Article No. 549. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-020-05333-6
[19]
Siraj, N., Achila, O.O., Issac, J., Menghisteab, E., Hailemariam, M., Hagos, S., et al. (2018) Seroprevalence of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections among Blood Donors at National Blood Transfusion Service, Eritrea: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study. BMC Infectious Diseases, 18, Article No. 264. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-018-3174-x
[20]
Mudji, J., Madinga, B. and Horsmans, Y. (2021) Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis B and C and Knowledge of the Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women Attending Prenatal Care in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 104, 1096-1100. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.20-0804
[21]
Shiferaw, E., Tadilo, W., Melkie, I. and Shiferaw, M. (2019) Sero-prevalence and Trends of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections among Blood Donors at Bahir Dar District Blood Bank, Northwest Ethiopia: A Four Year Retrospective Study. PLOS ONE, 14, e0214755. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0214755
[22]
Negash, M., Ayalew, M., Geremew, D. and Workineh, M. (2019) Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors for HIV, Hepatitis B and C among Blood Donors in South Gondar District Blood Bank, Northwest Ethiopia. BMC Infectious Diseases, 19, Article No. 430. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-019-4051-y
[23]
Nagalo, M.B., Sanou, M., Bisseye, C., Kabore, M.I., Nebie, Y.K., Kienou, K., et al. (2011) Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Syphilis among Blood Donors in Koudougou (Burkina Faso) in 2009. Blood Transfusion, 9, 419-424. https://doi.org/10.2450/2011.0112-10
[24]
Laperche, S. (2012) Multinational Assessment of Blood‐borne Virus Testing and Transfusion Safety on the African Continent. Transfusion, 53, 816-826. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1537-2995.2012.03797.x
[25]
Pruett, C.R., Vermeulen, M., Zacharias, P., Ingram, C., Tayou Tagny, C. and Bloch, E.M. (2015) The Use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Transfusion Infectious Screening in Africa: A Literature Review. Transfusion Medicine Reviews, 29, 35-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmrv.2014.09.003
[26]
Tao, I., Sama, W.A., Bazié, V.J.T.E., Bado, P., Yelemkoure, E., Kiba, A., et al. (2025) Human Pegivirus (HGV) Prevalence among Blood Donors in Burkina Faso: New Data after 2013. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 13, 491-499. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbm.2025.132037
[27]
Xie, D., Li, J., Chen, J., Eyi, U.M., Matesa, R.A., Obono, M.M.O., et al. (2015) Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Treponema Pallidum Infections among Blood Donors on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea. PLOS ONE, 10, e0139947. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0139947
[28]
Taye, S., Abdulkerim, A. and Hussen, M. (2014) Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections among Patients with Chronic Hepatitis at Bereka Medical Center, Southeast Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study. BMC Research Notes, 7, Article No. 272. https://doi.org/10.1186/1756-0500-7-272
[29]
Buseri, F.I., Muhibi, M.A. and Jeremiah, Z.A. (2009) Sero-Epidemiology of Transfusion-Transmissible Infectious Diseases among Blood Donors in Osogbo, South-West Nigeria. Blood Transfusion, 7, 293-299. https://doi.org/10.2450/2009.0071-08
[30]
Mavenyengwa, R.T., Mukesi, M., Chipare, I. and Shoombe, E. (2014) Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C in Blood Donations in Namibia. BMC Public Health, 14, Article No. 424. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-424
[31]
Allain, J., Owusu-Ofori, S., Ye, X., Bisseye, C., Chaar, M. and Li, C. (2022) Hepatitis B Virus Chronic Infection in Blood Donors from Asian and African High or Medium Prevalence Areas: Comparison According to Sex. Viruses, 14, Article 673. https://doi.org/10.3390/v14040673
[32]
Adouani, B., Alami, R., Laouina, A., Benahadi, A., Boulahdid, S., Mokhtari, A., et al. (2013) Hepatitis B in Moroccan Blood Donors: A Decade Trend of the HBSAG Prevalence in a Resources Limited Country. Transfusion Medicine, 23, 432-437. https://doi.org/10.1111/tme.12054
[33]
Shenge, J.A. and Osiowy, C. (2021) Rapid Diagnostics for Hepatitis B and C Viruses in Low-and Middle-Income Countries. Frontiers in Virology, 1, Article 742722. https://doi.org/10.3389/fviro.2021.742722
[34]
Bisseye, C., Sanou, M., Nagalo, B.M., Kiba, A., Compaoré, T.R., Tao, I., et al. (2013) Epidemiology of Syphilis in Regional Blood Transfusion Centres in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Pan African Medical Journal, 16, Article 69. https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2013.16.69.2767
[35]
Matee, M.I., Magesa, P.M. and Lyamuya, E.F. (2006) Seroprevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Syphilis Infections among Blood Donors at the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. BMC Public Health, 6, Article No. 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-6-21
[36]
Seck, M., Dièye, B., Guèye, Y.B., Faye, B.F., Senghor, A.B., Toure, S.A., et al. (2016) Évaluation de l’efficacité de la sélection médicale des donneurs de sang dans la prévention des agents infectieux. Transfusion Clinique et Biologique, 23, 98-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tracli.2015.11.001
[37]
West, B., Walraven, G., Morison, L., Brouwers, J. and Bailey, R. (2002) Performance of the Rapid Plasma Reagin and the Rapid Syphilis Screening Tests in the Diagnosis of Syphilis in Field Conditions in Rural Africa. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 78, 282-285. https://doi.org/10.1136/sti.78.4.282
[38]
Fouelifack Ymele, F., Keugoung, B., Fouedjio, J.H., Kouam, N., Mendibi, S. and Dongtsa Mabou, J. (2012) High Rates of Hepatitis B and C and HIV Infections among Blood Donors in Cameroon: A Proposed Blood Screening Algorithm for Blood Donors in Resource-Limited Settings. Journal of Blood Transfusion, 2012, Article ID: 458372. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/458372
[39]
Word Health Organization (2025) WHO Prequalifies the First Triple Diagnostic Test for HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis, a Milestone toward Global Disease Elimination Goals. https://www.who.int/news/item/15-07-2025-who-prequalifies-the-first-triple-diagnostic-test-for-hiv--hepatitis-b-and-syphilis--a-milestone-toward-global-disease-elimination-goals?utm_source=chatgpt.com
