PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND C AMONG THALASSEMIC PATIENTS UNDER 12 YEARS CHILDRENS IN DISTRICT SWAT

Background: Thalassemia is a group of inherited hemoglobinopathies characterized by defective synthesis of alpha or beta globin chains, leading to microcytic hypochromic anemia. Patients with beta thalassemia major require lifelong blood transfusions to maintain adequate hemoglobin levels, increasing their risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In regions with limited blood screening infrastructure, such as parts of Pakistan, this risk becomes a critical public health concern. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV among transfusion-dependent thalassemic patients under 12 years of age in District Swat, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pathology Department of Saidu Teaching Hospital, Swat, from August 2023 to March 2024. A total of 214 blood samples were collected from pediatric thalassemia patients (<12 years) using standardized phlebotomy procedures. Samples were centrifuged and screened for HBV (HBsAg) and HCV (anti-HCV antibodies) using Immunochromatographic Test (ICT) kits manufactured by Healgen Biotechnologies. Data were recorded using a pre-designed proforma and analyzed with SPSS v17.0. Results: Out of 214 patients, 11 (5.1%) tested positive for HBV and 17 (7.9%) for HCV. Gender-wise, among 118 males, 11 (5.1%) were HCV positive and 6 (2.8%) HBV positive. Among 96 females, 5 (2.3%) were HCV positive and 6 (2.8%) HBV positive. Age-wise, in the 1–4 years group (n=89), 9 (4.2%) were HCV positive and 7 (3.3%) HBV positive; in 5–8 years (n=67), 5 (2.3%) HCV and 3 (1.4%) HBV; and in 9–12 years (n=58), 3 (1.4%) HCV and 1 (0.5%) HBV. Conclusion: The study revealed a higher prevalence of HCV compared to HBV among transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients, particularly among males and younger age groups. These findings highlight the need for enhanced screening, immunization, and infection control strategies in pediatric thalassemia care.