Epidemiology of Hepatitis C virus among thalassemia patients in Al-Muthanna Province

One of the main causes of blood transfusion problem including thalassemia, is the hepatitis C virus (HCV). In total, 1125 patients with thalassemia (635 men and 490 women, ages 2-23 years) took part in the trial from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. Prior to PCR assay, the clinical symptoms, complete blood count (CBC) and particular hemoglobin tests were used to diagnose the thalassemia patients. Three blood transfusions every month were on an average. 1125 patients in total underwent ELISA testing to identify anti-HCV antibody (IgG) in serum. There were 111 (9.8%) Hepatitis C virus infections. In comparison to 2019 and 2021, the year 2020 had the highest numbers of thalassemia patients 400 (36%) and hepatitis C virus infections 41 (36.9%). Hepatitis C virus infected male individuals with thalassemia are more prevalent than female individuals. Compared to married, widowed and divorced states, the single status had the highest rate of hepatitis C virus infection. In comparison to urban residence, the number and percentage of Hepatitis C virus infections were highest in rural areas. To lessen the spread of the virus and eradicate it, we recommend using routine laboratory testing of blood donors and Thalassemia patients and the use of molecular biology tools like the PCR assay in the early diagnosis of the virus.