Evaluation of Hepatitis C Viral Load Between a Sample of Acute and Chronic Patients in Relation with Some Biovital and Biochemical Markers

hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections resemble a huge global public health issue particularly in Iraq and frequently result in chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The major purpose of this research was to examine the viral load and liver enzymes levels in Iraqi patients with acute and chronic HCV, as well as the infection distribution by age, sex, and disease stage. Fifty patients diagnosed with HCV utilizing ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) for HCV antibody detection and PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for HCV viral load measurement participated in this study. Based on the duration the infection lasted, the patients were categorized as either acute or chronic. Additional measures were used to evaluate the liver's function, such as the levels of ALT and AST enzymes. The viral load levels, liver enzyme values, infection distribution by sex, and age were all compared using SPSS version 27. The acute patients showed a higher mean viral load than chronic patients. In addition, the study found that the prevalence of HCV infection was highest in the 40-49 age group, and that males were more likely to have the infection (54%). The acute group and the healthy control group differed significantly only in the levels of AST liver enzymes. Acute infection was more common in younger people, and men were somewhat more impacted. The results highlight the significance of HCV monitoring at all times, since the virus can be silent or cause major liver problems. The acute patients showed a higher mean viral load than chronic patients. In addition, the study found that the prevalence of HCV infection was highest in the 40-49 age group, and that males were more likely to have the infection (54%). The acute group and the healthy control group differed significantly only in the levels of AST liver enzymes. Acute infection was more common in younger people, and men were somewhat more impacted. The results highlight the significance of HCV monitoring at all times, since the virus can be silent or cause major liver problems.