Transfusion Safety in Burkina Faso: Molecular and Serological Characterization of VAH and VHB and Coinfections in Blood Donors at the Regional Blood Transfusion Center of Koudougou, Nando Region

Introduction: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections represent significant public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, including Burkina Faso. HAV is the most symptomatic viral hepatitis, while HBV is the most endemic and can lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HAV is an RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family, whereas HBV is a DNA virus of the Hepadnaviridae family. Despite the health burden of HAV, limited data are available on its prevalence in Burkina Faso. Although more information exists on HBV, the introduction of the HBV vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and ongoing awareness campaigns necessitate regular updates on its epidemiological status. This study aimed to conduct serological and molecular PCR-based diagnosis of HAV and HBV among blood donors at the Regional Blood Transfusion Center (CRTS) in Koudougou, Burkina Faso. Methodology and Materials: A prospective, descriptive study was conducted, involving 200 blood samples collected at the CRTS in Koudougou. Samples were transported and stored at CERBA for analysis. Serological screening for HAV IgM and IgG antibodies was performed using the HAV Flowflex？ TMTDRs assay. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected using the Hepanostika HBsAg Ultra kit (Biomérieux, Boxtel, Netherlands). Molecular diagnostics were conducted using the DNA/RNA Prep kit (Sacace, Ref. K-2-9 Biotechnologies) and the HBV Real-TM Sacace？ kit (Sacace Biotechnologies, Como, Italy), following the manufacturers’ protocols. Results: The study population was predominantly male (90.5%), with 44% being pupils or students. The seroprevalence of HAV IgM and IgG antibodies was 13.5% and 8.5%, respectively, yielding an overall HAV seroprevalence of 22%. The seroprevalence of HBV, as indicated by HBsAg detection, was 2.5%. Molecular analysis of HAV showed no amplification, while the HBV molecular test revealed a prevalence of 4%. Conclusion: With an overall HAV seroprevalence (IgM + IgG) of 22%, Burkina Faso can be classified as a country with intermediate endemicity for HAV. This underscores the need for accelerated implementation of a vaccination program to mitigate HAV transmission. For HBV, Burkina Faso remains a high-endemicity zone, although our findings indicate a decline in prevalence, likely attributable to vaccination and public health interventions.