Seroprevalence of human immunode fi ciency virus in African blood donors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Quintas, AE (Author) Other; Cuboia, N (Author) Other; Cordeiro, L (Author) Other; Sarmento, A (Author) Other; Azevedo L (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: EBioMedicine

Vol. 105

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-N7B

DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105210

Abstract (EN): Background In developing countries, the safety of blood transfusions remains an important public health concern as it is associated with a higher risk of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). In this study, we aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa and assess the temporal trends and regional differences within the continent through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, HINARI, Global Index Medicus and Clinical.Trial.gov) were searched for relevant studies for our research. We included all primary studies that estimated the seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa with an age population from 16 to 65 years old, without language restrictions, from inception up to March 1st 2024. The pooled seroprevalence was estimated through the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. The temporal trends and regional differences were assessed through subgroup and meta-regression analysis. Findings We obtained 122 studies that met our inclusion criteria, comprising 7,814,996 blood donors tested for HIV. Sixty-six percent of the studies were from Western and Eastern Africa. The pooled seroprevalence of HIV among blood donors in Africa was 2.66% (95% CI: 2.17 - 3.20%; I-2 = 99.80%, p < 0.01). The highest prevalence was observed in the Central African region, 3.28% (95% CI: 2.57% - 4.06%), followed by the Eastern 3.21% (95% CI: 2.12% - 4.52%), and the Western 2.66% (95% CI: 1.93% - 3.49%) regions. Lower prevalences were observed in the Northern region, 0.57% (95% CI: 0.0% - 2.10%), followed by the Southern African region with 0.45% (95% CI: 0.16% - 0.86%). We observed a temporal decreased trend of HIV prevalence. Interpretation The prevalence of HIV infection among African blood donors remains high and is not homogeneous across the continent. Efficient measures to strengthen HIV testing and prevent HIV transmission through blood transfusion are needed in Africa. Systematic review protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD42023395616.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18