A Pilot Study On The Serostatus Of Parvovirus B19 In Blood Donors At A Tertiary Healthcare Centre In South India

Abstract

Purpose: The core component of every blood program is the establishment of a system to ensure the safe supply of blood and blood products. Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is one of the emerging blood-borne pathogens in recent times. In India, routine screening of B19V is not done for blood and blood products. The objective of this study is to determine the serostatus of B19V among blood donors at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, South India. Methods & Materials: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 100 samples were collected from blood donors. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Serum was separated by centrifuging at 1000g and stored at -80oC. Serum samples were screened for anti-human B19V IgM and IgG antibodies using semi- quantitative ELISA (Novalisa, ©Novatec, Germany). The purified antigens coated in the wells were VP-1S, VP-C, and VP-N; a part of the VP1 & NS1 protein of the virus. The test was performed as per kit instructions. The serostatus of blood donors was recorded. Results: Of the 100 samples tested using ELISA, 45% were found to be B19V IgG positive and 24% were found to be B19V IgM positive. About 8% of the samples were positive for both B19V IgM and IgG, indicating recurring infection. Of the samples tested, there were 14% of the people who were positive for B19V IgM and not IgG. The mean age of the participants is 29.3 years. All participant blood donors were male. Conclusion: B19V infection can result in serious complications in high-risk groups. This includes hydrops fetalis in pregnant women, chronic anaemia & transient aplastic crisis in patients with haematological problems and immunodeficient patients. These are the patients who require constant multi-transfusion. However, in most countries, including India, the screening of donors is not mandatory. There is evidence of long-term B19V persistence in blood circulation and tissues of both the immunocompromised and immunocompetent. This study demonstrates the importance of screening to eliminate the risk of transmission through transfusion. Systematic surveillance of the virus in blood and blood products will lead to improved health outcomes in vulnerable populations.