SEROPREVALENCE OF TRANSFUSION TRANSMITTED SYPHILIS AMONG PAKISTANI BLOOD DONORS AND ITS RELATED DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES -AN UPDATE

Abstract

Background: Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that remains a significant risk for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), especially in developing countries. Accurate data on the prevalence of transfusion-transmitted syphilis (TTS) and its association with donor demographics in Pakistan are limited. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of syphilis among voluntary blood donors in Pakistan and to analyze its association with demographic factors including age, gender, weight, ethnicity, residence, education, and occupation. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to February 2023 at a tertiary care hospital blood bank in Karachi. A total of 18,843 voluntary blood donors aged 18–55 years, weighing >50kg, were screened using Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CIA). Donor demographic and behavioral data were collected using standardized forms. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and binary logistic regression to assess associations and odds ratios. Results: The overall seroprevalence of syphilis was 1.4% (n=258). Majority of donors were males (99.6%) with a mean age of 29.78±7.39 years; 78% were ≤35 years. Significant associations were observed between syphilis positivity and age (p<0.001), ethnicity (p<0.001), residence (p=0.042), and education level (p<0.001). Donors aged ≤35 years had lower odds of syphilis infection (OR=0.502, p<0.001). Higher risk was noted among Sindhi and Baloch ethnic groups, rural residents, and donors with lower education levels. Occupation also influenced odds, with businessmen, private employees, laborers, and unemployed donors showing higher prevalence compared to students. Conclusion: This study highlights a relatively higher prevalence of transfusion-transmitted syphilis among Pakistani blood donors compared to neighboring countries. Demographic variables such as age, ethnicity, education, and occupation are significantly associated with seropositivity, underscoring the need for targeted donor screening protocols and public health interventions to enhance blood safety and reduce TTS risk.