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

ABSTRACT

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