Authors:
Alexander Lawrence, Adaeze Oreh, Uchejeso Obeta, Tani Brandon Burinyuy

Addresses:
1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Prince Abubaka Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria. 2Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands. 3,4Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, Plateau, Nigeria. alexlawrence28@yahoo.com1, a.c.oreh@umcg.nl2, uchejesoobeta@fcmlst.edu.ng3, tanibrandon30@gmail.com4.

Abstract:

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of transfusion transmissible parasites among intending blood donors in Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) hospital in Jos, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. Blood transfusion is a lifesaving medical intervention. Still, it also risks transmitting infectious parasites such as Plasmodium spp, Trypanosoma cruzi, Babesia spp, Leishmania spp, and Toxoplasma gondii. The transmission of parasitic organisms through blood transfusion is relatively rare. This is because there are strict checkpoints at every step of the transfusion process to check the integrity of the blood before a transfusion is made. Blood samples were collected from 25 intending donors and screened for malaria parasites. Out of the 25 donors, 6(24%) tested positive for malaria, consisting of 4(30.8%) males   and 2(16.7%).  This study reveals a significant malaria prevalence among intending blood donors in   OLA hospitals. The findings highlight the rigorous screening and blood testing of blood donors to ensure the blood supply’s safety and prevent malaria transmission through blood transfusion. Our findings suggest that routine screening for transfusion transmissible should be implemented, especially in endemic regions.

Keywords: Transfusion Transmissible Parasites; Blood Donation; Safe Blood; National Blood Service Commission (NBSC); Toxoplasma Antigen Detection; World Health Organization(WHO); Trypanosoma Cruzi.

Received on: 09/10/2023, Revised on: 05/12/2023, Accepted on: 17/12/2023, Published on: 05/03/2024

DOI: 10.69888/FTSHSL.2024.000168

FMDB Transactions on Sustainable Health Science Letters, 2024 Vol. 2 No. 1, Pages: 10-21

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