Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infections Among Outpatients in Basrah, Iraq
| Author | Ismeal Jumia Abbass | en |
| Orcid | Ismeal Jumia Abbass [0000-0003-0791-6778] | en |
| Issued Date | 2026-06-30 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections pose a major global health concern, particularly in developing regions. Persistent infection with these viruses is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and is associated with severe complications, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, assessing the epidemiological distribution of these infections by demographic factors such as age, sex, and gestational status is essential for developing effective prevention and control strategies. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the occurrence of HBV and HCV infections and to examine their epidemiological characteristics among outpatients in Basrah Governorate, Iraq, particularly their associations with age and sex. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1256 outpatients attending private clinics in Basrah Governorate, Iraq. Peripheral blood samples (2 mL) were collected from all participants, and serum was separated and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits (Biorex Diagnostics, UK), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Demographic data were collected, and participants were stratified by age and sex. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, with P ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of hepatitis infection was 2.30% (29 out of 1256). HBV infection prevalence was 1.11%, whereas HBV infection prevalence was slightly higher at 1.19%. Prevalence was higher among males (3.6%) than among females (1.7%), although this difference was not statistically significant. A statistically significant association was observed between age group and infection occurrence, with the highest prevalence recorded in the 21 - 40-year age group. HBV infection was more common in males, whereas HCV infection was more common in females; there was a statistically significant association between sex and infection type. Overall, HBV infection was more common than HBV infection in this study. Conclusions: The frequency of HBV and HCV infections in Basrah was relatively low, with distinct epidemiological patterns. Hepatitis B was more common among males, whereas higher rates of hepatitis C were observed among females. Age was significantly associated with infection occurrence, particularly in the 21 - 40-year age group. These findings underscore the importance of targeted screening programs for high-risk groups and sustained public health efforts to reduce and control hepatitis infections. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/jkums-172719 | en |
| URI | https://brieflands.com/journals/jkums/articles/172719 | en |
| Keyword | HBsAg | en |
| Keyword | HCV | en |
| Keyword | Seroprevalence | en |
| Keyword | Epidemiology | en |
| Keyword | Demographic Factors | en |
| Keyword | Outpatients | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infections Among Outpatients in Basrah, Iraq | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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