Prevalence, incidence, and residual risk of HIV among blood donors in Sfax (Tunisia)

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Published Apr 30, 2026
https://doi.org/10.62438/tunismed.v104i04.6075
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Vol. 104 No. 04 (2026): Tunis Med Apr 2026

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Taicir Rekik
Regional blood transfusion center of Sfax -Tunisia
Latifa Derbel
Regional blood transfusion center of Sfax -Tunisia
Nour Louati
Regional blood transfusion center of Sfax -Tunisia
Mariem Ben Hmida
Hygiene department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax ,Tunisia
Héla Menif
Regional blood transfusion center of Sfax -Tunisia
Ikram Ben Amor
Regional blood transfusion center of Sfax -Tunisia

Abstract

Background and aim: Blood transfusion is not without risk, particularly the infectious risk related to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The objective of our study is to report the evolution of HIV indicators in blood donors (BDs) at the regional blood transfusion center of Sfax (Tunisia).
Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study including both replacement and voluntary BDs collected from mobile and fixed donation units over a 10-year period (January 2014–December 2023). Combined screening for HIV antigens and antibodies was carried out by ELISA, with confirmation of positive results by Western blot. Prevalence and seroconversions according to age group, gender, and donation type were analyzed using the Hématos II G3.8 software by GPI. Incidence and residual risk were calculated using the Schreiber mathematical model.
Results: Forty-seven BDs were confirmed to be HIV-positive, with a male predominance (87.23%). The overall HIV prevalence was 0.16‰, with a peak of 0.4‰. During the study period, 21 seroconversions were recorded. The incidence was 9.38 per 100,000 person-years, and increased from
33.28 per 100,000 person-years in 2014-2015 to 97.22 per 100,000 person-years in 2022-2023. The residual risk was 0.46 per 100,000 donations.
Conclusion: Prevention is the key pillar in reducing the residual risk of HIV transmission through transfusions. It is based on improved HIV awareness in the general population and rigorous BDs selection.

Keywords:

blood donors, HIV, prevalence, incidence, residual risk

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