Biohealth Science Bulletin 2012, 4(1), 24 – 27 Sultan A. M. Saghir et al. 2012 24 Sultan A. M. Saghir 1 , Omar S. A. Alsalahi 2 , Abdulrahman A. M. Zabad 3 , Faisal M. Al-Hassan 2 1 School of pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology department, Universiti Sains Malaysia 2 Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 3 Blood bank unit, University of Science and Technology Hospital (USTH), Sana`a, Yemen. (Received 22 nd January 2012. Revised 26 th March 2012. Accepted 28 th March 2012. Published Online 18 th July, 2012.) Corresponding author: Sultan Ayesh Mohammed Saghir E-mail: sultan_a1976@yahoo.com HIV aŶd Syphilis aŵoŶg Blood DoŶors iŶ SaŶa’a, YeŵeŶ Background:The implementation of effective quality systems in national blood transfusion service, including quality management and effective documentation for transfusion – transmissible diseases is a core component of every national blood programme. In Yemen, such a programme is not in effect and there is an absence of clear and efficient policy framework that will provide and implement internationally recognized guidelines for donor screening, blood testing, and recording, which includes sexually transmissible diseases. As a result, the recipients of blood and blood products remain at unacceptable risk of acquiring life – threatening infections that could be easily prevented. Hospital-based studies should be conducted to help in addressing such issue. Aim: This study aims to conduct screening tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis in volunteer blood donors at blood bank unit in the UŶiversity of ScieŶce aŶd TechŶology Hospital ;USTHͿ, SaŶa’a, YeŵeŶ. Methodology: A total of 3602 health y males individuals (18-50, mean 26.3 years old) donated blood at USTH between 1 st July 2008 and 30 th June 2010 were included in this study. Donors were screened for the presence of HIV and syphilis using Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (MEIA). Results: Out of 3602 blood donors tested, the frequency rates of HIV and syphilis were 0.39% and 0.75% respectively. A slightly increase in the rate of HIV and syphilis infections was also observed in the second year compared with the first year of the study. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis was low among blood donors in Yemen. Stringent criteria and well-organized framework should be applied to get better control of the donation process for selection and screening of voluntary blood donors to ensure safety of blood for recipients. Keywords: blood donors, HIV, syphilis, screening INTRODUCTION Blood transfusion is a life-saving intervention that has an essential role in patient management within health care systems. The assessment of data of the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis in blood donors is necessary for monitoring blood supply safety and donor screening efficiency {1}. Furthermore, surveillance the incidence of transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) in blood donors is of paramount importance for estimating the risk of transfusion and putting in place optimal donor enrollment strategies to reduce the transmission of infections {1}. It also gives an idea about the epidemiology of these infections in the community {2}. Blood transfusion safety is of great concern in transfusion medicine in Yemen, due to sub-optimal planning and shortage in the blood transfusion services. In addition, the absence of clear and internationally recommended policies and guidelines, as well as lack of communications, personnel training and financial supports {3}. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the leading universal health problem of considerable socioeconomic impact. In 2005, the United Nations Program reported that 40.3 million people living with AIDS, of which 7.4 millions in East and Southeast Asia {4}. However, some countries reported low levels of HIV epidemic such as in Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. However, limited biological supervision of HIV infection may not reflect the true prevalence among the populations in these countries {5}. In 2007, the epidemic of AIDS was decreased resulting in a reduction of HIV prevalence and it is reported that the seroprevalence of HIV has been leveling off in many countries and is decreasing in Sub-Saharan Africa {6}. HIV is a disease which spreads horizontally through sexual relationship, organ transplantation and vertically from mother to offspring {7-11}. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Treponema pallidum spirochete. Sexual contact is the most important route of transmission of syphilis. The disease can also be transmitted through transfusion of blood and blood products, intravenous drug abuse and from mother to child (congenital syphilis) {12}. Severe effects could be found as a result of untreated syphilis cases such as damage to the aorta, brain, eyes, and bones. In severe cases, syphilis can lead to death.