Correlation between the Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses against Tumor Necrosis Factor- α among Patients in Babylon Province

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis is a liver disease caused by infectious and non-infectious agents. Hepatitis B and C are major public health problems worldwide. Hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections are known to occur in the general population due to their multiple mode of transmission mainly through blood. Aim: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus among population in Babylon province and evaluation of the levels of the TNF-alpha in infected patients with hepatitis B and C Methods: The study was conduced on individuals referred to the Central Public Health Laboratory to investigate the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in Babylon province. A total of 6061 samples was included in this study, they screened by VIDAS test for detection of both viruses, then confirmed by real- time PCR. Concentration of TNF- α was measured in patients with hepatitis B and C and control group (Control group consisted of the healthy subjects with no history of renal or liver diseases and negative results for HBV and HCV test) by using ELISA test. Results: A total of 6061 individual were screened, amongst them, 18 (0.29%) were positive for HBV and 16 (0.26%) were positive for HCV by both VIDS test and real-time PCR. Most of HBV infections seen among hemodialysis patients followed by haemophila, while most HCV infections seen among thalasemia and haemophila patients than others groups. The prevalence of both viruses was higher among male than female, and in urban than rural rejoin. Most of HBV infections were high in individual with age ranging between 20-29 and 30-39 years, while most HCV infections in individual with age ranging between 20-29 years, although it is statistically insignificant. The mean serum level of TNF- α was significantly higher in individual with HBV and HCV infection (68.7±12.84 pg/mL) and (89.1±22.017) as compared with control group (43.1±5.87 pg/mL). Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV and HCV was relatively low. There are increasing level of TNF-α in the serum of patients with viral hepatitis B and C.