Epidemiology and prevention of transfusion-associated human immunodeficiency virus transmission in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Background and objectives: Compared to industrialised nations, countries in sub-Saharan Africa experience a greater amount of transfusion-associated HIV transmission due to high rates of transfusion in some groups of patients, a higher incidence and prevalence of HIV infection in donor populations, a lack of HIV antibody screening in some areas, and a higher residual risk of contamination in blood supplies despite antibody screening.

Materials and methods: Epidemiologic review.

Results: Epidemiologic evidence supports the effectiveness of three relatively inexpensive strategies to prevent transfusion-associated HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa: HIV antibody screening, avoidance of unnecessary use of blood products, and exclusion of donors at high risk of infection. Such prevention strategies have not been universally implemented.

Conclusions: International aid to establish and maintain HIV antibody screening programmes, implementation of sound criteria for transfusion, and the search for HIV risk factors to use as donor exclusion criteria must be expanded in the region.