Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among premarital people in Sulaimani Governorate

ABSTRACT

The magnitude of chronic infection with hepatitis B virus [HBV] varies substantially between the countries. Previous study in Sulaimani revealed that 2.3% of blood donors were positive for HBsAg. A better understanding of incidence and/ or prevalence of HBV infection and associated risk factors provides insight into the transmission of this infection in the community. Transmission of hepatitis B virus results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing the virus. Possible forms of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions, re-use of contaminated needles, and vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth