[Prevalence of HBs antigen in blood donors in the Bouaké regional centre of blood transfusion in 2001].

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the regional center of blood transfusion in Bouaké from December 1, 2001 to February 28, 2002. One thousand two hundred thirty one new blood donors were tested. HBs Antigen detection was made according to ELISA technique (Hepanostika HBs Ag Uni-Form II). HBs Antigen prevalence in blood donors in Bouaké was 12.5%. One hundred fifty four blood donors were tested positive and were divided into 131 males (85%) and 23 females (15%). Their average age was 27, 5 years old (18-65 years). HBs Antigen carriage rate was lower in females and students. They were mainly pupils (62%) and had risk factors of hepatitis B infection (intramuscular injection, multiple sexual partners, unsafe sex). HBs Antigen carriage rate in blood donors is high in Bouaké and justifies the systematic screening of this Antigen in any blood donor to reduce the transfusion risk. On the other hand, it is necessary to modify the blood collection strategy in order to make the most of the donation and to decrease the residual risk.