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Published on: December 15, 2023
Epidemiology of Hepatitis B and C Infections in Al-Anbar/Iraq and Correlation Between Viral Load and Liver Function
Mohammed A Hamad1, Ala'a F Habeeb2, Nabaa A Muhammed3
1Biotechnology Department, College of Applied Sciences, University of Fallujah, Fallujah, Iraq.
Insights
Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infections are prevalent in Anbar, Iraq, particularly affecting young adults and females. HCV shows higher viral loads and liver enzyme impact compared to HBV.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) pose significant global health challenges due to transmission risks and silent carriers.
- Advanced diagnostic techniques are crucial for accurate detection and management of these viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and molecular detection of HBV and HCV in Anbar governorate, Iraq.
- To analyze the correlation between HBV and HCV viral loads and liver function tests.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 5463 patients for HBV and 5873 for HCV infection.
- Data collected via questionnaires, rapid tests, ELISA, and quantitative PCR (q-PCR) from January to November 2021.
Main Results:
- HBV infection prevalence was higher than HCV, with a notable impact on young adults (29-30 years) and females.
- HCV-infected patients exhibited higher viral loads and significantly elevated liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT) compared to HBV patients.
Conclusions:
- Females show a higher HBV infection rate and more severe liver enzyme abnormalities.
- Young adults, a key demographic for economic and social activity, are disproportionately affected by HBV and HCV, with increasing HCV viral load correlating with greater liver impact.
Abstract:
Aims: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) represent a menacing health problem worldwide and its risk of contamination and transmission by routine activities and contact with infected patients and its remarkable adverse effects and presence of silent carriers. The diagnosis developed with the developing techniques using more specific techniques. The aim is to study the epidemiology and molecular detection of HBV and HCV in the Anbar governorate (Fallujah and Amiriyah) and the correlation between the viral load of HBV and HCV on liver functions. Materials and Methods: A cohort of 5463 tested for HBV viral infection and 5873 tested for HBV viral infection patients' information were collected from units in Fallujah and Amiriyah Hospitals as well as private laboratories who sent for HBV or HCV detection from 15th January 2021 to 20th November 2021 using a questionnaire and diagnosed with rapid tests, the positive results subjected for testing with ELISA and samples tested using q-PCR techniques. Findings: Among the studied cohort, the prevalence of HBV infections was high compared to HCV, with the highest impact in females and the ages of young adults (29-30 years). Furthermore, viral loads were high in HCV-infected patients compared to HBV. Finally, liver enzymes (ALP, AST, and ALT) were significantly high in HCV-infected patients compared to HBV. Conclusion: The study concluded that females have a higher rate of infection with higher progression of the HBV and more morbid liver enzymes. The highest affected age groups are the highest communicational and economic activity group of young adults with elevated impact on the liver with HCV viral load increasing.
