PREVALENCE OF TRANSFUSION – TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONORS IN THE WESTERN REGION OF NORTH MACEDONIA: A RETROSPECTIVE MULTICENTER STUDY (2021-2025)

JASHARI, Fatjona and ISMANI, Ekrem and ISMANI XHEMAILI, Edona (2026) PREVALENCE OF TRANSFUSION – TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONORS IN THE WESTERN REGION OF NORTH MACEDONIA: A RETROSPECTIVE MULTICENTER STUDY (2021-2025). In: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “FROM RESEARCH TO APPLICATION”, 20 May, 2026.

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Abstract

Introduction: Communicable diseases continue to represent a significant public health challenge due to their high transmission potential and impact on population health. Effective control depends on early detection, preventive measures, and continuous epidemiological surveillance, supported by laboratory and field data analysis. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of communicable diseases in the western region of North Macedonia, specifically in Tetovo, Gostivar, Kičevo, and Struga, and to evaluate incidence patterns according to geographic location and type of testing. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using laboratory and field data collected from 2021 to 2025. A total of 151,610 test results were analyzed and categorized by city, age group, type of test, test result, and year. Data were processed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: Out of 151,610 tests performed, 588 (0.39%) were positive, 150,814 (99.47%) were negative, and 208 (0.14%) were not tested. The highest number of tests was recorded in Tetovo, followed by Gostivar, Kičevo, and Struga. The highest positivity rate was observed in Struga (0.51%), while the lowest was in Kičevo (0.30%). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) accounted for the largest proportion of positive cases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, followed by nucleic acid testing (NAT) detections and hepatitis E virus (HEV). Conclusion: Although overall positivity rates remain low, variations across cities and types of testing highlight the importance of continuous surveillance, early detection, and strengthened preventive strategies to effectively control communicable diseases.

Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk
Date Deposited: 10 Sep 2026 11:56
Last Modified: 10 Sep 2026 11:56
URI: http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/2388

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