Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTI): HIV

This critical public health topic examines HIV as a primary Transfusion-Transmissible Infection (TTI) and the laboratory strategies for ensuring blood safety in Zambia. Students will explore the historical background, epidemiology highlighting the severe impact in Sub-Saharan Africa and Zambia's ~14% prevalence, and the virology of HIV, including its structure and replication cycle. A key focus is the 'window period'—the time between infection and detectability—and its implications for blood screening. The curriculum provides an in-depth analysis of laboratory screening methods, including the principles of Indirect, Competitive, and Combination ELISA, Particle Agglutination assays, and specialized Rapid Tests. Students will learn about recombinant and synthetic peptide antigens used in modern assays. Concepts of test sensitivity, specificity, and the mandatory testing algorithms used by the Zambia National Blood Transfusion Service (ZNBTS) to minimize the risk of transmitting HIV through blood are thoroughly covered. For Zambian university and college students, this topic is not only academically vital but also of profound national importance, equipping them with the knowledge to operate and critically evaluate the testing systems that safeguard the blood supply.