Seroprevalence of Treponema pallidum Antibodies among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria
Kingsley Akaba
Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Olukayode Oshatuyi *
Department of Biochemistry, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Marcus Inyama
Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Obinna Iheanacho
Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Freeman Jabengo
Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Chisom Ntomchukwu
Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Essien U. Ekpeyong
Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Essien U. Ekpeyong
Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Offiong A. Bassey
Department of Microbiology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Anthony N. Kokelu
Department of Haematology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Treponema pallidum is well-known for its immune-evasiveness and invasiveness, its spirochaete has a long latent period in which individuals present no signs or symptoms and still could be infectious. In spite of the available effective treatment, the development of suitable diagnostic techniques and implementable preventive strategies, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including syphilis, remains major public health problem in Nigeria.
Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of T. pallidum antibodies among blood donors at the blood bank unit of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: Two thousand six hundred and ninety-six blood samples collected from commercial, voluntary and replacement donors were screened for syphilis using the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) particle agglutination test kit. The kits were manufactured by BTNX Inc., Ontario, Canada and onsite Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) test kit by CTK Biotech (USA) was used in confirming the presence of antibodies of T. pallidum. This study was carried out at the blood bank of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar from June 2016 to August 2017.
Results: A total of 2695 unit of blood was screened for T. pallidum antibody during the study period. Sixty-seven (67) units of blood tested positive giving a seroprevalence of 2.50%.
Conclusion: Our report shows a low seroprevalence of syphilis compared to what has obtained from other parts the country notwithstanding. Improved diagnostics, a better test of cure, intensified public health measures and, ultimately, a vaccine is needed to curb the increasing prevalence of STDs, including syphilis.
Keywords: Seroprevalence, Treponema pallidum, donor blood, syphilis; UCTH