Authors
1 Department of Medicine, Kirkuk General Hospital
2 Department of Laboratory, Kirkuk General Hospital
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is responsible for more premature deaths worldwide. The virus killed 1.34 million people in 2016; it is one of the top ten killers in the world. Transmission of hepatitis virus B and C results from exposure to infectious blood or body fluids containing the virus. Since most people with hepatitis B and C virus are asymptomatic, timely diagnosis is important for prevention of complication and transmission. This study has evaluated the prevalence of HBs Ag and HCV Ab seromarkers beside liver function test in pre marriage candidates. Objectives: To find out the prevalence of the HBs Ag and HCV Ab in premarriage candidates in Kirkuk city along with estimation of liver function test and prothrombine time. And so as to increase the awareness and augment preventive measures against this viral hepatitis related morbidity. Methods: A total of 22000 apparently healthy young adults were screened from January 2017 to December 2017 at the premarital consultation clinic in general public health laboratory/ Kirkuk city for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV Ab). Along with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspertate aminotransferase (AST), alkalin phosphatase (ALK P) levels, total bilirubine, and prothrombine time were estimated and statistical analysis was done by mini tab version 11. Results: Out of the 22000 subjects screened, 52(0.24%) were positive for HBsAg and 9(0.04%) for HCV Ab, there was no statistical significant difference according to age and sex, but the infection rates peaked at age (21-30) years for both types. Mean ALT and AST levels were significantly elevated of positive HBsAg and HCV Ab cases (29 I U/L, 23, I U/L and 56.3 I U/L, 33.5 IU/L) respectively. In addition two fold elevation of ALT level estimated in (19%) of HBsAg positive and (66%) of HCV Ab positive cases. However all positive subjects were having normal ALK P level normal prothrombine time with slight elevation of total billirubin. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBsAg and HCV Ab among premarital subjects in Kirkuk city is lower than that previously reported. A positive relationship between asymptomatic positive cases with aminotrans- ferase level was reported.
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