PLoS ONE (Jan 2022)

Global epidemiology of occult hepatitis B virus infections in blood donors, a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • Guy Roussel Takuissu,
  • Sebastien Kenmoe,
  • Marie Amougou Atsama,
  • Etienne Atenguena Okobalemba,
  • Donatien Serge Mbaga,
  • Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo,
  • Arnol Bowo-Ngandji,
  • Martin Gael Oyono,
  • Jeannette Nina Magoudjou-Pekam,
  • Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse,
  • Elisabeth Zeuko’o Menkem,
  • Abdel Aziz Selly Ngaloumo,
  • Agnès Thierry Rebecca Banlock,
  • Alfloditte Flore Feudjio,
  • Cromwel Zemnou-Tepap,
  • Dowbiss Meta-Djomsi,
  • Gilberte Louise Nyimbe Mviena,
  • Ines Nyebe Eloundou,
  • Jacqueline Félicité Yéngué,
  • Josiane Kenfack-Zanguim,
  • Juliette Laure Ndzie Ondigui,
  • Ridole Martin Zekeng Mekontchou,
  • Sabine Aimee Touangnou-Chamda,
  • Yrene Kamtchueng Takeu,
  • Jean Bosco Taya-Fokou,
  • Chris Andre Mbongue Mikangue,
  • Raoul Kenfack-Momo,
  • Cyprien Kengne-Nde,
  • Seraphine Nkie Esemu,
  • Richard Njouom,
  • Lucy Ndip

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 8

Abstract

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This study aimed to assess the global prevalence of occult hepatitis B in blood donors. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Global Index Medicus, and Excerpta Medica Database. Study selection and data extraction were performed by at least two independent investigators. Heterogeneity (I2) was assessed using the χ2 test on the Cochran Q statistic and H parameters. Sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analyses. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42021252787. We included 82 studies in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of OBI was 6.2% (95% CI: 5.4–7.1) in HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive blood donors. Only sporadic cases of OBI were reported in HBsAg negative and anti-HBc negative blood donors. The overall prevalence of OBI was 0.2% (95% CI: 0.1–0.4) in HBsAg negative blood donors. The prevalence of OBI was generally higher in countries with low-income economic status. The results of this study show that despite routine screening of blood donors for hepatitis B, the transmission of HBV by blood remains possible via OBI and/or a seronegative window period; hence there is a need for active surveillance and foremost easier access to molecular tests for the screening of blood donors before transfusion.