Prevalence of Hepatitis B & Human Immundifficiency Virus Among β Thalassemic Patients in Diyla

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B and human immundifficiency virus (HIV)infection is a major health problem in multi-transfused patients and in general population world wide .Vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine and routine screening of transfused blood are mandatory measures for prevention. Aim: To identify the prevalence of hepatitis B and human immundifficiency virus infection among thalasemic patients in Diyala and to show some relations to some personal factors. Results: High prevalence of hepatitis B among Thalassemic patients (P value =0.000), Incompletely vaccinated patients are liable for infection even when received screened blood (P value =0.000). There is no patient with positive test for human immunodeficiency virus (P value =0.0000). There is no significant association with splenectomy and number of blood transfusions during last year. Conclusion:High prevalence rate of hepatitis B among Thalassemic patients, in comparison with the rate registered in other countries.