The Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infections in the Couples Attending a Premarital Screening Program in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background: Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV HCV) infections are major global health issues the leading causes of liver cirrhosis hepatocellular carcinoma. Objectives: The aim this study was to investigate prevalence HBV HCV in couples attending a premarital screening program Zakho city, Kurdistan region, Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional carried out Region Iraq, between January October 2019. During period, 2123 were screened for as part screening. age ranged from 18 63 years old. ELISA test used detect HBsAg, HBc IgG, Ab. Ab positivity then confirmed by RT-PCR, all positive patients tested genotyping. Results: Among recruited subjects, 38/4246 (0.89%) HBsAg. Of these, 12/2123 (0.57%) females, 26/2123 (1.22%) males. RT-PCR one female patient who further be infected with genotype 4. Conclusions: To conclude, present showed relatively low through city. seropositivity higher males than females. Therefore special attention should paid during prevention strategies.