Temporal trends in transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in Jordan: A large-scale Amman-based surveillance update (2018-2019)

Abstract

Transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) remain a global concern in blood safety. This study presents the largest Amman-based dataset on Royal Medical Services donors since 2016 (n = 49,296 donations) and the first to apply a monthly Chi-square (χ2) trend analysis for TTI surveillance in Jordan. Blood donations collected between July 2018 and December 2019 were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV Ab), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 1/2 antibodies, and Treponema pallidum using electrochemiluminescence assays, followed by confirmatory enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests. HBcAb was detected in 3.44% of donors, HBsAg in 0.41%, and HCV Ab in 0.10%. No confirmed cases of HIV or syphilis were found. These rates are lower than previously reported national estimates, suggesting a continued decline in hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence. Chi-square tests revealed significant monthly variation for HBcAb (P < .001) and HBsAg (P < .001), while HCV trends were not significant. The majority of donors were male (98.2%) and from Amman (98.24%), limiting national generalizability. Although the dataset predates the COVID-19 pandemic and is geographically constrained, it remains the most recent and comprehensive post-2016 dataset available for national TTI surveillance. This study highlights low national TTI prevalence and underscores the value of blood donor screening as a tool for public health surveillance, especially in refugee-hosting contexts. The application of temporal analysis enhances its relevance for infection monitoring and health policy. Findings support the integration of seasonal trend surveillance into Jordan’s national blood safety strategy and align with global goals to eliminate communicable diseases by 2030.

Keywords Blood Donors, Blood Safety, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV Infections, Transfusion-Transmitted Infection