Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B & C and HIV among sickle cell patients in Kinshasa City (Democratic Republic of the Congo): A prospective study

IntroductionSickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production, leading to red blood cell deformity and various complications, including anemia and organ damage. Transfusion therapy is a common treatment for SCD complications, but it poses risks, including the transmission of infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The prevalence of these infections among transfused SCD patients in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is not well-documented. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B & C and HIV among sickle cell patients who received transfusions in Kinshasa.PurposeThe general objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B & C and HIV among sickle cell patients transfused in Kinshasa. This was a prospective and analytical cross-sectional study carried out during the year 2023 among sickle cell patients treated at the SS Anemia Mixed Medicine Center (CMMASS).MethodsA total of 100 sickle cell patients were included in the study, with 50 patients who had received transfusions and 50 who had not. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using two methods: the immunochromatographic method with rapid tests and the electrochemiluminescence immunological test (ECLIA). Fisher's exact test was applied with an alpha risk of 0.05 to compare the seroprevalence rates between transfused and non-transfused patients.Results Among the transfused sickle cell patients, the seroprevalences of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV were 6%, 4%, and 3%, respectively. The co-infection rates for HBV-HIV and HCV-HIV were 1% and 2%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in seroprevalence rates between transfused and non-transfused patients (p> 0.05).ConclusionsThese results partially confirm our hypothesis that the seroprevalence of hepatitis B & C and HIV among transfused sickle cell patients would be higher than that of the general population. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings and to assess the impact of transfusion therapy on the risk of acquiring these infections in SCD patients.