Blood Transfusion-Associated HIV Infection in Children in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: This study describes the epidemiologic features and clinical course of children with blood transfusion-associated HIV infection (TAHI) in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methodology: All children diagnosed to have TAHI at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, were studied and compared with children who acquired HIV vertically using the pediatric HIV database in the hospital.

Results: Transfusion-associated HIV infection accounted for 14 (2.3%) of the 597 children diagnosed to have HIV infection between January 2004 and December 2011. The mean age at diagnosis of TAHI was 10.2 years and that of vertically acquired HIV infection was 3.9 years ( P < .001). In 9 cases, blood transfusion took place in private hospitals and in 5 cases in public hospitals. Median interval between infection and diagnosis of AIDS was 84 months in cases with TAHI and 48 months in vertically acquired cases ( P = .542).

Conclusion: Optimal blood safety practices are advocated for prevention of TAHI in Nigeria.

Keywords: AIDS; children; transfusion-associated HIV.