PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS C AMONG PATIENTS WITH ΒTHALASEMIA IN DIYALA- IRAQ

Abstract

Background:Hepatitis C infection is a worldwide problem, specialy in polytransfused patients including those with Thalassemia. There is evidence that prevalence of HCV among thalassemic patients is high in Iraq ,but figures are conflicting . Prevalence and age distribution among such patients in Diayla governorate is unknown.Objective: The aim of this paper is to report the prevalence of hepatitis C among patients with thalassemia in Diyala Governorate / Iraq and relation to some individual factors among these patients . Patients and methods: 110 thalassemic patients tested for anti hepatitis C Ab using third generation Elisza test and confirmatory immunoblot assays.Results :The prevalence of hepatitis C is 26.4%. Significant associations were found with male gender and young age group. Non significant relation was found with No. of transfusions per last year and with splenectomy.