First Epidemiological Assessment: Syphilis Seroprevalence among Asymptomatic Blood Donors in Merowe, Northern Sudan, 2022

Background: Syphilis remains a significant transfusion-transmissible infection, yet regional epidemiological data in Sudan is sparse. The Northern State, particularly Merowe, lacks prior seroprevalence studies despite significant demographic shifts following the Merowe Dam construction. This study aimed to establish the first baseline syphilis prevalence among asymptomatic blood donors in this underrepresented region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2022 at the Merowe blood donation center. Eighty-nine consecutive asymptomatic male blood donors were screened for anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit. Demographic and clinical data were collected via structured questionnaire. Results: The overall seroprevalence was 2.25% (2/89). The donor population median age was 32 years (range: 18–64). Statistical analysis yielded an odds ratio of 0.02, relative risk of 0.04, 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.1, and p-value <0.0001. Conclusion: This is the first syphilis seroprevalence report from Merowe, revealing a lower rate compared to other Sudanese regions but higher than the global average. The findings fill a critical geographical data gap, support evidence-based blood safety strategies, and underscore the need for localized surveillance in demographically dynamic regions.