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Updated: May 8, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
Hepatitis B and C virus infection among couples undergoing premarital screening in Iraqi Kurdistan
Ibrahim A Naqid1, Ali Jotiar Mahmood2, Ahmed A Mosa2
1College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Zakho, Zakho, Iraq.
Insights
Hepatitis B and C prevalence in Zakho, Iraq, was low (0.92% HBV, 0.07% HCV) among couples. Higher rates were observed in males aged 23-31 and urban residents, indicating a need for targeted public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) pose significant global health risks, leading to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
- Despite existing vaccines and treatments, HBV and HCV infections remain prevalent, particularly in regions like Iraq.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among couples undergoing premarital screening in Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
- To identify demographic risk factors associated with HBV and HCV infections in this population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to December 2023, analyzing data from 15,091 couples.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for laboratory screening of HBV and HCV, with RNA quantification for HCV-positive cases.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence was 0.92% for HBV and 0.07% for HCV among the 15,091 couples studied.
- Higher infection rates were found in males, individuals aged 23-31 years, and urban residents.
- Age (23-31 years), male gender, and urban residency were identified as significant risk factors (P <0.05).
Conclusions:
- The HBV and HCV prevalence in Zakho aligns with regional data.
- Elevated infection rates in males and urban populations highlight the necessity for focused public health strategies.
- Targeted interventions, including public education and screening of high-risk groups, are recommended.
Background And Objectives:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are significant global health challenges, leading to severe complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite available vaccines and treatments, these infections persist, particularly, in regions such as Iraq. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV among couples attending premarital screening programs in Zakho, Kurdistan Region of Iraq and explore the associated demographic risk factors.
Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023, including 15,091 couples. Laboratory screening for HBV and HCV was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, followed by RNA quantification for HCV-positive cases.
Results:
Of the total of 15,091 couples, the overall prevalence of HBV was 0.92% and HCV was 0.07%. Males, individuals aged 23-31 years, and urban residents had higher infection rates. Significant risk factors included age 23-31 years, male gender, and urban residency (P <0.05).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of HBV and HCV among couples in Zakho is consistent with regional data. Higher infection rates in males and urban areas suggest the need for targeted interventions, including public education and screening for high-risk populations.
