Prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C among selected group in Thi-Qar

Abstract EN

A seoepidemiological study was carried out in Thi-Qar governorate; Southern Iraq.

The aim was to estimate the prevalence of viral hepatitis B, C and HIV among selected group in Thi- Qar Governorate and to identify the risk factors among these infections.

The study included 1128 blood donors, 126 cases, 100 healthcare workers and 162 patients with blood disorder group.

An Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay {ELIZA} was used to estimate HBs antigen, anti HCV antibody and anti HIV antibody.

Prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C collectively were (6.73 %, 28 %, 3 %, and 35.2 %) for the four groups respectively.

The blood disorder group showed a particularly high prevalence of HCV infection (40 %).

While the prevalence for HIV was zero among all selected groups.

Significant independent association was found between the risk of hepatitis B and C infection and the following risk factors : history of hepatitis infection, duration of infection, history of hospitalization, history of contact with jaundice patient, history of drug addiction and history of complication.