the prevalence of heptitis b and c among thalassemia major patients in kerman, iran, and the role of transfusion in infection acquisition

introduction : regular blood transfusions for patients with thalassemia major have improved their overall survival, but carry a definite risk of being infected with blood born viruses especially hepatitis b and c. nowadays, it has remained as main health concern about these patients. in this study, we tried to define the prevalence rate of hepatitis b and c and survey the related risk factors among a group of thalassemic patients in iran. methods : we evaluated 100 thalassemics in kerman, iran in july 2002. the initial data were recorded and the sera were tested for hbv seromarkers, anti-hcv ab and anti-hiv ab. anti-hcv ab was detected using elisa-2nd generation and confirmed by riba-2nd generation. second samples tested to measure hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. results : therty-one patients were anti-hcv-ab (elisa) positive. in 11 cases the riba results were missed and among 20 cases remained, 14 patients were anti-hcv ab (riba) positive. six patients (6%) were hbs ag positive and there was no anti-hiv positive case. mean of patients' age, and transfusion duration were significantly higher in anti-hcv seropositive patients (p=0.000, p=0.000 repectively). furthermore, hcv prevalence rate has significantly dropped after applying anti-hcv ab screening in blood donors (22.4% vs. 0%, p=0.006), and there was no new infected case thereafter. there were no significant associations between anti-hcv ab seropositivity and sex, vaccination against hbv, and family history of hepatitis. the mean of hemoglobin and serum ferritin did not differ between two groups. conclusion : hepatitis c prevalence rate is very high among thalassemics. screening of blood donors seems to be able to decrease prevalence and incidence rate of hcv infection effectively.