Published in PLOS One on 2026-04-06, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Mwila Mapipo, Alex Maleti, Phinnoty Mwansa, Paul Daka, David Chisompola
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0346680
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Transfusion is a critical life-saving intervention, but the safety of the blood supply remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, due to the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). This study aimed to determine the burden and correlates of bloodborne pathogens among blood donors in Muchinga Province, Zambia.
A cross-sectional study was conducted using records from 2,667 blood donors at the Chinsali General Hospital Blood Bank between January and December 2021. Data on demographic characteristics, donation type, and ABO/Rhesus blood group were collected. Screening for Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), HIV, and Syphilis was performed using the Abbott Alinity i platform. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with infection status.
The overall prevalence of TTIs among donors was 25.7% (686/2,667). The most prevalent single infections were HBV and Syphilis 8.0% (213/2,667), followed by HCV 7.8% (207/2,667), and HIV 7.7% (206/2,667), with notable co-infection rates, particularly HIV/Syphilis (4.9%). In the composite multivariable analysis, donors with blood group O had 36% lower adjusted odds of any TTI compared to those with blood group A (AOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.52–0.79; p < 0.0001) and individuals aged over 45 years had 45% higher adjusted odds of TTIs compared to those aged 16–24 years (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.04–2.00; p = 0.026). Furthermore, multivariable pathogen-specific analyses revealed distinct risk profiles: donors aged ≥45 years had significantly higher odds of syphilis (AOR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.49–3.80; p < 0.0001), female sex was associated with lower odds of HBV (AOR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52–0.93; p = 0.016), blood group O was protective against HCV (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.35–0.69; p < 0.0001), and donors from Mpika district had higher odds of HIV (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.03–3.21; p = 0.037).
This study highlights a substantial burden of TTIs among blood donors and identifies blood group O as a potential protective factor, suggesting a potential biological basis that requires further study. Strengthened donor screening and public health interventions are critical to improving blood safety.
Introduction
Blood transfusion remains a critical, life-saving medical intervention that is essential in the management of various clinical conditions, including perioperative and traumatic hemorrhage, anemia, and obstetric complications [1]. However, the safety of blood supply continues to be a significant global public health concern, particularly due to the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) [2]. The four major TTIs of global concern include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis, which can be transmitted through contaminated blood products if adequate screening measures are not implemented [3].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Mwila Mapipo, Alex Maleti, Phinnoty Mwansa, Paul Daka, David Chisompola. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: Prevalence and predictors of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donor types at a teaching hospital in Ghana: Implications for haemovigilance
- Evidence brief: HIV and Hepatitis B co-infection in Tanzania: Analysis of the 2022–2023 Tanzania HIV Impact Survey
- Evidence brief: Predictors of tuberculosis mortality among patients on treatment: A retrospective cohort study at a rural general hospital in Zambia
