ANALYSIS OF DETECTION OF SEROLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL MARKERS OF HEPATITIS B AND C VIRUSES IN BLOOD DONORS

Вackground. The problem of transfusion safety associated with parenteral viral hepatitis (PVH) remains relevant globally. Objective. To establish the frequency of detection of HBsAg, HBV DNA, anti-HCV and HCV RNA among regular and primary blood donors in Grodno over the past 10 years. Material and methods. The object of the study was the annual statistical reports of the State Healthcare Institution «Grodno Regional Transfusiology Center» over the last ten-year period (2014-2023). In order to detect PVH markers by ELISA and PCR methods, test systems from various manufacturers were used according to the instructions. To assess the liver function, the indicator ALT was studied. Results. Blood samples obtained from 32728 regular and 12843 primary blood donors living in Grodno and the Grodno region were studied. The number of donations of blood and its components (plasma, platelets) over a 10-year period was increasing annually and averaged 149973 per year. During the COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2023), the average annual donation rate by regular donors (3736) and primary (1284) donors was higher than in the pre-epidemic period. Increased ALT activity was detected in 0,8% of donors with negative PVH blood markers, among whom there may be patients with chronic liver damage requiring additional diagnostics. The frequency of HBsAg isolation among regular donors over 10 years averaged 0,027%, the frequency of HBV DNA detection was 0,003%; anti-HCV among regular donors was detected 4,4 times more often (0,12%) than HBsAg. PVH markers were detected among primary donors more often than among regular donors: HBsAg 5 times more often (0,14%), HBV DNA – 43 times, anti-HCV – 2 times, HCV RNA – 14 times. Conclusion. During the pandemic, an increase in blood donations by 19-20% is noted, that must be taken into account when forecasting another unfavorable epidemic situation. Negative HBsAg and anti-HCV blood tests do not exclude the presence of HBV DNA and HCV RNA in the material. To improve transfusion safety associated with PVH, it is necessary to define a blood screening strategy based on endemicity and quantitative indicators of HBV and HCV (ELISA and PCR), and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of testing methods. It is necessary to revise the criteria for admission and rejection at the pre-donation stage of individuals with abnormal clinical and laboratory parameters. The frequency of infection of regular and primary donors in Grodno is characterized by low rates, which have reached a minimum in recent years.