In trauma care, surgery, obstetric hemorrhage, hematological illnesses, and the treatment of persistent anemia, blood transfusions are a life-saving medical intervention. Transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) continue to be a significant problem for transfusion safety despite advancements in screening methods [1].

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum, and malaria caused by Plasmodium species are the main causes of TTIs [2]. During the window time, these illnesses may not cause any symptoms in donors, which puts recipients at risk.

Because of high endemicity, low donor awareness, and reliance on replacement donors, the worldwide burden of TTIs is disproportionately higher in developing nations. Compared to first-time or replacement donors, voluntary repeat donors have a much lower rate of TTI, according to studies [3].

India constantly struggles to provide safe blood transfusion practices because of its high HCV load and intermediate to high HBV endemicity [4]. Strict donor screening, serological testing, and encouraging voluntary donation are key components of national blood transfusion programs.

In a sample of 100 blood donors who were screened in medical facilities, the current retrospective study attempts to assess the seroprevalence of TTIs among blood donors and identify related demographic risk factors. Improving donor selection procedures and lowering transfusion-related hazards require an understanding of regional epidemiological trends [5-7].

Study Design and Setting A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the blood bank services of selected medical institutions. Data from 100 consecutive blood donors were analyzed. Study Population The study included healthy individuals who donated blood during the study period. Donors were categorized as voluntary or replacement donors. Inclusion Criteria • Age 18–60 years • Eligible as per national blood donation guidelines • Complete serological screening records available Exclusion Criteria • Incomplete records • Deferred donors due to clinical illness • Repeat testing records of same donation episode Data Collection Data were extracted from donor registers and included: • Age • Gender • Donation type (first-time vs repeat donor) • Serological test results Laboratory Screening All samples were tested for: • HIV (ELISA/rapid immunoassay) • HBV (HBsAg detection) • HCV antibodies • Syphilis (RPR/TPHA) • Malaria (rapid antigen test or smear microscopy) Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Seroprevalence was calculated as percentage. Associations between categorical variables were tested using chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Table 1: Demographic Distribution of Blood Donors (n = 100)

Table 2: Seroprevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections

Table 3: Association of TTI Positivity with Donation Type

*Statistically significant at p < 0.05

Table 4: Association of TTI Positivity with Age and Gender

*Statistically significant for age distribution (p < 0.05)

Results Summary

Out of 100 donors, 14% were positive for at least one TTI marker. HBV was the most common infection. First-time donors had significantly higher infection rates compared to repeat donors. Increasing age showed a trend toward higher seropositivity. Gender differences were not statistically significant.

The overall seroprevalence of TTIs among blood donors in this study is 14%, which is in line with results from earlier studies carried out in underdeveloped nations. Due to its endemicity and silent carrier condition, HBV continues to be the most common infection among donors [8]. Numerous Indian studies that identify HBV as the most frequent TTI due to perinatal transmission and inadequate vaccination coverage in older populations are consistent with the increased incidence of HBV relative to HCV and HIV [9]. The necessity of recurring voluntary donation is highlighted by the noticeably greater seroprevalence among first-time donors. In general, repeat donors are less likely to participate in high-risk activities, more health-conscious, and better screened [10]. This result is consistent with research demonstrating lower TTI frequency among frequent donors as a result of donor retention tactics. Cumulative exposure risk over time is suggested by an age-related increase in seroprevalence [11]. Particularly in environments where vaccination and infection control measures have historically been lacking, older people are more likely to have previously been exposed to illnesses like HBV and HCV. The greater positive rates among male donors were not statistically significant [12]. Rather than reflecting actual biological sensitivity, this might be a reflection of the male-dominated donor population. Even though syphilis and malaria are uncommon, their detection emphasizes the significance of upholding thorough screening procedures, particularly in endemic areas. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) could further lower window period risk, but its widespread use in resource-constrained environments is limited by financial limitations. The foundation of safe transfusion techniques continues to be the strengthening of voluntary blood donation programs, donor education, and rigorous adherence to screening protocols [13–14].

The study highlights a notable prevalence of TTIs among blood donors, with HBV being the most common infection. First-time donors and older age groups are at higher risk of seropositivity. Strengthening voluntary repeat donation systems, improving donor screening, and enhancing public awareness are essential strategies to ensure safer blood transfusion services.

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