EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

This study investigated the burden and determinants of dual infections of Syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among blood donors at the Central Medical Diagnostic Centre (CMDC), Total Garden, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. This was a cross- sectional study in 104 consenting blood donors aged 18-60 years (mean age ≈ 34 years). Donor information, including sex, age, education, occupation, donor type, sexual behavior, condom use, alcohol intake, and previous history of sexually transmitted infections, were obtained through structured questionnaires. Blood samples were screened for syphilis, and HIV antigen using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits for preliminary detection and confirmed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) according to the National Blood Transfusion Service protocol. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 with descriptive and inferential statistics; associations were tested at a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). Out of 104 donors screened, 78 (75.0%) were males and 26 (25.0%) females. The overall seroprevalence was 1.9% for HIV, 1.9% for Syphilis, and 0.96% for dual HIV-Syphilis co-infection. Although infection rates were low, they were higher among males and replacement donors compared to voluntary donors. Inconsistent condom use showed a statistically significant association with HIV infection (p = 0.028). The study concludes that despite low prevalence, the presence of dual infections indicates persistent transfusion-transmissible infection risks. Strengthening routine dual screening using ELISA confirmation, intensifying donor health education, and encouraging voluntary non-remunerated blood donations are essential for ensuring safer transfusion practices in Nigeria.

Keywords: HIV; Syphilis; Blood Donors; Co-Infection; Transfusion-Transmissible Infections; Ibadan; Nigeria

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