Serological and Molecular Study for Hepatitis C Virus in Thalassemia Patients in Wasit Province/Iraq

Abstract

Thalassemias are a heterogeneous group of hemoglobin synthesis genetic disorders resulting from a decreased production rate of one hemoglobin chain or more. This study was conducted on151 samples divided into three groups:

β- Thalassemic patients with hepatitis C (66) patient’s, 35 patients’ non thalassemia patients with the hepatitis C and 50 healthy control.

This study included, Serum iron profile along with liver functions were determined. Real-Time qPCR was used to identify and assessment of viral loads in the blood of HCV patients. In the current study, there was positive Correlation between hepatitis C status and serum ferritin level in both groups of patients when compared whit healthy controls, the levels of the serum ALT in the patients of the CHC have been greater. There has been as well a considerable association between the ALT levels and the HCV RNA titer. We conclude in this study, high prevalence of 1a genotype in thalassemic patients (60.7%) then 1b genotype (21.4%). followed by 4 genotype that was (17.9%). While in non thalassemic patients with HCV also high prevalence of 1a genotype (48.6%) then 1b genotype (22.9%) followed by 4 genotype that was (20.0%) and 3a genotype that was (8.6%).