Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among blood donors in Baghdad, August 2007-December 2008

Abstract EN

Background : Hepatitis is a disease of the liver caused by the infectious and non-infectious agents.

Patients & methods : A total of 600 blood donors attending blood bank at Baghdad city were included in this study, they were screened by Enzyme Immune sorbent Assay for detection of HBs Ag and anti-HCV, that confirmed by recombinant immunoblot assay .the possible influence of the various factors on the prevalence was analyze too.

Results : Form the total donors there were 37 (6.2 %) and 6 (1.7 %) positive for HBV & HCV respectively .peak prevalence for HBs Ag was noticed in age groups (20-29) years.

Conclusion : Screening blood donors for both HBV and HCV is indispensable for safe blood transfusion.

In general, formulation of safe blood transfusion policy and implementation of standard screening protocols should be practiced.