DETECTION OF HEPATITIS B AND C VIRAL INFECTION AMONG CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LEUKAEMIA.

BACKGROUND: Viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV), represents a significant health complication in immunocompromised patients, including children diagnosed with acute leukaemia. These patients are at increased risk of getting infections due to frequent blood transfusions, invasive procedures, and immunosuppressive therapy. The study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of hepatitis B and C virus infection among children with acute leukaemia treated in the pediatric haematology unit at Ibn Al-Ather Teaching Hospital in Mosul city, compare them with a control group and evaluate associated risk factors, including vaccination status. METHODS: This study enrolled a total of 180 children attending Ibn-Al-Atheer Teaching Hospital (Mosul City, Iraq), comprising 90 patients diagnosed with Acute Leukemia and 90 age- and sex-matched controls. The control group included children attending the hospital for conditions unrelated to haematological diseases or predisposing factors for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, and had no history of chronic illness. Blood samples were collected and tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Demographic and clinical data, including vaccination history, were reported and statistically analysed. RESULTS: No significant variation was observed between cases and controls in sex, age, or residency (P>0.05). HBsAg positivity was higher in cases (26.7%) than controls (10.0%) (P=0.005). Anti-HCV was also higher in cases (10.0%) vs controls (2.2%) (P=0.035). HBV vaccination was protective (7.4% vs 34.9%, P=0.004). Blood transfusion was strongly associated with infection (60.0% vs 4.4%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: HBV and HCV infections were significantly higher in leukemic children. Blood transfusion was a major risk factor, while HBV vaccination had a protective effect. Strengthening screening and vaccination is essential.