Incidence of hepatitis-B surface antigen HBsAG] and hepatitis-C [HCV] in salahdeen province

Viral hepatitis is a major health problem in developing countries. Recent advances in the field of molecular biology have aided, identification and understanding of the pathogenesis of liver viruses that are known to cause hepatitis as their primary diseases manifestation. Using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA], 1186 sera were tested for the presence of total antibodies to Hepatitis B [HBV] and Hepatitis C [HCV] in Salahdeen province for the period from January to August, 1996. The peak incidence for both sexes occurred at ages 20-40 years. Only 85 [7.2%] were found positive; all of which were later confirmed. Among the various occupation, the free jobs, students, farmers, employers and laborer showed the highest HBV and HCV incidence [about 25.9%, 15.3%, 15.3%, 11.8% and 7.1%], respectively, while the frequent of other group ranged between 3.9%-5.9%. The area among Salahdeen Province with highest incidence was Tikrit with 38.8% followed by Samarra [36.5%]. HBV and HCV frequency was the highest among those who were of blood group O. Most the carriers were asymptomatic and only 19 [22.4%] gave a history of jaundice in the past. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Salahdeen province

Prevalence of typhoid fever among patients attending Saddam general hospital in Kirkuk

A retrospective study was carried out in Saddam general hospital at Kirkuk city for the period of January to September 1996 to investigate the prevalence of typhoid fever disease. A total of 136 patients were recognized as typhoid fever. Forty two were males while 94 were females. The age group of 20-29 years was the most frequent group [25%] and over 90% of cases were urban in residence while 38.2% of patients were housewives. The relation of some clinical symptoms and laboratory diagnosis with occurrence of disease was also studied