Relation of the Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses with Tumor Necrosis Factor- α among Patients in Babylon Province

Background: Hepatitis is a liver disease caused by infectious and non-infectious agents. Hepatitis B
and C are global health problem. Hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections are usually occur in
the population due to their divers mode of transmission through blood.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess 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 conducted on individuals referred to the Central Public Health Laboratory to
detected the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in Babylon province. A total of 6061 samples was
involved in this study, they surveyed by VIDAS test for demonstration 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 included healthy individuals 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 examine, 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 TNF- α mean serum level 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 hepatitis B and C virus was relatively low. There are increasing level
of TNF-α in the serum of patients with viral hepatitis B and C.