Hepatitis B Prevalence Among Filipino Blood Donors
The prevalence of hepatitis B (HBsAg-positive) infection among Filipino blood donors is 2.87% based on a 5-year retrospective study from Region 3, Philippines (2013-2017). 1
Specific Prevalence Data
The most relevant study examining Filipino blood donors found 1:
- Overall HBsAg seroprevalence: 2.87% over the 5-year period (2013-2017)
- This represented the highest proportion among all transfusion-transmissible infections screened
- The prevalence showed a decreasing trend from 2013 to 2017
High-Risk Donor Characteristics
The study identified specific donor subgroups with elevated hepatitis B rates 1:
- Age 25-44 years: Highest seroprevalence rate
- Male donors: Higher rates than females
- Replacement donors: Higher rates compared to voluntary donors
- First-time donors: Significantly higher rates than repeat donors
Clinical Context
This 2.87% prevalence is consistent with the Philippines being in an area of high HBV endemicity, as persons born in such regions and their children are recognized as high-risk populations 2. The guideline framework emphasizes that all blood donations must be screened for HBsAg using sensitive FDA-licensed tests (RIA or EIA with sensitivity <0.5 ng/ml) 2.
Important Caveats
- The 2.87% figure represents detected cases only—a small number of low-level HBsAg carriers may test false-negative despite sensitive screening methods 2
- Geographic variation exists within the Philippines; the cited study specifically examined Region 3
- The decreasing trend suggests improving donor selection and screening practices over time