Prevalence of the serological markers of hepatitis b, c, and d among patients with sexually transmitted diseases (stds)‎in baghdad, iraq

Abstract EN

Background & Objective: A scientific interest in the subject of the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the concomitant transmission of other infections such as HTV infection and viral hepatitis is becoming of increasing importance all over the world.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B, C and D markers among patients with STDs in Iraq.

Methods: A survey for HBV, HCV, and HDV markers was carried out on sera of patients with STDs (study group), patients with diseases other than STDs (hospital controls) and healthy blood donors (healthy controls).

All sera were tested by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA).

Results: A total of 463 sera were tested; 4.9%, 1% and 3% of STD patients, hospital controls and healthy controls were found to be positive for HBsAg, respectively.

Anti-HCV was prevalent among 1.2%, 0.0% and 0.5% of STD patients, hospital controls and healthy controls, respectively.

Anti-HDV was undetected in the study group and both control groups.

Conclusion: Patients with STDs had a higher prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV than control groups.

Therefore, they should be screened for HBV and HCV markers and HBV vaccination should be considered for persons at risk of sexual transmission in Iraq.