Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections among Blood Donors at Dongola Hospital, Northern State, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion is a critical, life-saving medical intervention performed worldwide. However, it carries potential risks, including the transmission of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs), particularly viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are significant causes of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among blood donors at Dongola Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 involving 100 voluntary blood donors. Participants were evaluated based on demographic characteristics, donation history, and risk factors such as previous surgery, tattooing or hijama (Islamic wet cupping), and history of jaundice. Screening for HBV and HCV was performed using immunochromatographic testing (ICT). Results:  In this study 100 patients were the age of 61 (61%) of them 18 – 30 years old, 24 (24%) aged 31 – 40 Years, while 11(11%) aged 41- 50 years old and, 4 (4%) were aged 51 years old and older. and there are 61 (61%) of them have History of Donation, while 39 (39%) of them have no History of Blood Donation. 93 (93%) of them have Negative result of HBV Test, while 7 (7%) of them have Positive result of HBV test. 100 (100%) of them have Negative result of HCV Test.  involved in this study, 2 (2%) of them have History of Tatto or Islamic Higama, while 98 (98%) of them have No History of Tatto or Islamic Higama and there are 3 (3%) of them have History of Surgery, while 97 (97%) of them have no History of Surgery. were 6 (6%) of them have History of Jaundice, while 94 (94%) of them have No History of Jaundice.  in this study, 1% in Hafer and Mgaser, 3% live in Baden, Shaikh Sharive and Kmnar, 5% of them live in Altety, while 6% live in Grada, Algoled, 7% live in Aldem, 12% in Alselam, and 53% in Dongola. Conclusion: This study highlights the presence of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among blood donors at Dongola Hospital. The results suggest that although the prevalence of HCV is low in this population, HBV remains a significant concern, particularly among younger donors aged 18–30 years. The current screening method using Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) showed limitations in accuracy, indicating the necessity for more reliable diagnostic tools such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).