The incidence of syphilis in donors blood in RCKiK in Bydgoszcz in the years 2001–2013

Abstract

Syphilis, an infectious disease caused by a spirochete pale – Treponema pallidum, has been present in Poland since the fifteenth century. The most common is transmitted through sexual relations, but it is also possible to transfer through blood transfusions. Currently, there has been an increasing incidence of new cases, and cases of congenital syphilis and recognition of the advanced forms of the disease are also growing in Poland.

The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence of pale spirochete infection among blood donors in the years 2001–2013 in RCKiK in Bydgoszcz. Screening was performed in 463,269 blood donors, including 129,841 women (27%) and 333,428 men (73%). Screening serological test was performed using a qualitative ELISA method. In the group of donors, who detected antibodies against the pale spirochete, a verification was carried out using confirmation test TPHA. In the years 2001–2013, 526 results were obtained repeatedly reactive for syphilis, the average percentage rate was 0.107%, and in the analyzed period of time an upward trend was observed. In a verification test TPHA positive results were obtained in 100 donors, questionable results were 15, which together constitute 22% of the repeatedly reactive results.