# Epidemiology of Hepatitis B and C Infections in Al-Anbar/Iraq and Correlation Between Viral Load and Liver Function

## TL;DR

This study examines the spread and liver impact of Hepatitis B and C in Iraq's Al-Anbar region, finding higher prevalence in females and young adults.

## Contribution

The study provides new epidemiological data and correlates viral load with liver function in HBV and HCV patients in Al-Anbar.

## Key findings

- HBV infections were more prevalent than HCV, especially among females and young adults (29–30 years).
- HCV-infected patients had higher viral loads and significantly elevated liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT) compared to HBV.
- HBV showed higher progression in females, while HCV had a stronger impact on liver enzymes.

## Abstract

Aims: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) represent a menacing health problem worldwide and its risk of contamination and transmission by routine activities and contact with infected patients and its remarkable adverse effects and presence of silent carriers. The diagnosis developed with the developing techniques using more specific techniques. The aim is to study the epidemiology and molecular detection of HBV and HCV in the Anbar governorate (Fallujah and Amiriyah) and the correlation between the viral load of HBV and HCV on liver functions.

Materials and Methods: A cohort of 5463 tested for HBV viral infection and 5873 tested for HBV viral infection patients' information were collected from units in Fallujah and Amiriyah Hospitals as well as private laboratories who sent for HBV or HCV detection from 15th January 2021 to 20th November 2021 using a questionnaire and diagnosed with rapid tests, the positive results subjected for testing with ELISA and samples tested using q-PCR techniques.

Findings: Among the studied cohort, the prevalence of HBV infections was high compared to HCV, with the highest impact in females and the ages of young adults (29–30 years). Furthermore, viral loads were high in HCV-infected patients compared to HBV. Finally, liver enzymes (ALP, AST, and ALT) were significantly high in HCV-infected patients compared to HBV.

Conclusion: The study concluded that females have a higher rate of infection with higher progression of the HBV and more morbid liver enzymes. The highest affected age groups are the highest communicational and economic activity group of young adults with elevated impact on the liver with HCV viral load increasing.