The prevalence of hepatitis – B and C serological markers among patients with thalassaemia in Mosul

الملخص EN

Background : Thalassaemic are known to have higher risk of developing hepatitis B and C Than normal individuals.

The aim of this paper is to determine the prevence of hepatitis B and C among thalassaemic patients and to pinpoint its association with personal medical fators in the province of Mosul.

Methods : From August 2003 to March 2004, 626 patients under the age of 20 years with thalassaemia were surveyed and screened for hepatitis HBs Ag and anti-HC Antibody (Ab) in the Thalassaemia Center in Ibn al-Atheer Children Hospital in Mosul.

Results : 5.59 % of the patients have positive HBs Ag (1.92 % have combined hepatitis B and C), 28.12 % have anti HC-Ab.

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C was higher in patients older than 15 years.

Conclusion : Viral hepatitis is prevalent in thalassaemic patients in Mosul.

Seropositivity is significantly related to age, vaccination, family history of hepatitis, history of splenectomy ; number of blood transfusion per year,and severity of thalassaemia.