PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C VIRUSES AND ITS CORRELATION WITH BETA THALASSEMIA MAJOR PATIENTS IN PESHAWAR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

Introduction: The term "thalassemia" refers to a group of hereditary blood disorders characterised by anaemia. The two primary proteins that make up the oxygen-carrying HB (haemoglobin) component of red blood cells (RBCs) are beta and alpha chains. To create beta globin chains, two globin genes from each parent are required; if one or both of these genes are defective, beta thalassemia will result. The most common complication of beta thalassemia major that is iron over-loading in vital organ of the body like liver, spleen, heart and endocrine system due to regular blood transfusion, the second most common complication is transfusion transmission infection (TTI) hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infection.  Globally, the most common infection is hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses’ infection.

Material & Methods: Cross sectional correlational study was conducted at the Fatimid Foundation and Hamza in Peshawar, Pakistan.  Research study had started from 1st March 2021 to 1st October 2021. In this study 184 beta thalassemia major patients had been included, 105 from Fatimid foundation and 79 from Hamza foundation.

Results: Total of one hundred and eighty-four participants were included in the study. Among them 6= (3.3%) were positive for hepatitis B virus antigen, while hepatitis C virus was found in 43 (23.8%) patients. Furthermore, 4 (2.2%) were infected with both HBV and HCV virus infection.

Conclusion: Cousin or other blood relation marriage was significant or risk factor for thalassemia disease. There was no significant relation found of hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus infection with thalassemia major patients. In order to minimize the risk of HBV and HCV infection, it is essential to utilize the most sensitive and specific Nucleic acid test for donor screening. Safe blood transfusion centres for thalassemia patients are needed which are well-equipped and all the facilities must be available in it.