Seroprevalence of HIV Among Multi-transfused Thalassaemia Children in a Tertiary Care Centre, Rawalakot, AJK

Abstract

Background & Objective: Children with ?-thalassaemia major who receive multiple transfusions are consistently at high risk for transfusion-transmitted infection. The study objective was to assess the anti-HIV-1/2 seroprevalence among multitransfusion thalassemic children in a tertiary care centre.

Methods: This cross-section analysis study was conducted in the paediatrics department, thalassaemia centre, and Haematology departments of Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalakot, AJK, from March 2022 to March 2024. In accordance with the guidelines of the National AIDS Control Programme Pakistan, a total of 125 blood transfusion-dependent ?-thalassaemia major children, aged 1–15 years and of both genders, were analyzed. Blood was collected from children under aseptic conditions, and serum was separated into Eppendorf tubes and stored at -20°C. Children underwent screening for HIV using a rapid HIV-1/2 antibody test.

Results: The mean age of children was 10.8±5.7 years. Among 125 children, 75 (60%) were male. The age distribution was as follows: 25 children were in age of 1-5 years, 40 children were in age of 6-10 years, and 60 children were in age of 11-15 years. Consanguineous marriages among parents were reported in 100 (80%) children. Among 125 multi-transfused ?-thalassaemia major children, the anti-HIV-1/2 seroprevalence was 2 (1.6%). HIV seroprevalence was HIV seroprevalence was 2 cases only in the 6-10 year age group.

Conclusion: The study found low HIV seroprevalence among multitransfused thalassaemic children. The identification of HIV in positive cases highlights the need for improved measures to address the spread of HIV in the region.