DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2019.v07i08.001

Pages: 321-323

Background: Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder which requires regular blood transfusion and chelation in developing countries. These patients are at risk of acquiring blood borne infection like HIV and hepatitis. Prevalence of HIV in thalassemia patients varies worldwide, from less than 1% to more than 20%. Therefore, screening of blood products is most effective strategy to prevent HIV infection in such scenerio. This study was undertaken to ascertain the prevalence of HIV seropositivity among thalassemic patients. Methods: Data of samples of thalassemia patients received from January 2016 to December 2018 at ICTC, Microbiology Department of PGIMS Rohtak was retrospectively analyzed. Testing of patients was conducted according to NACO guidelines. Results: Total 2742 samples were received from January 2016 to December 2018 out of which 55% were male and 45% female. Out of these samples, 6 (0.2%) were found to be seroreactive. Conclusion: Althoughlow seropositive rate was found in our study still strict donor selection, education of patients and routine screening of blood products by more stringent method are mandatory to prevent transfusion related HIV infection.