Molecular Detection, Genotyping and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus in Basrah Province, Southern of Iraq

Document Type : New and original researches in the field of Microbiology.

Authors

1 Biology Department, College of Science, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq

2 Pathological Analyses Department, College of Science, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is one of the most serious public health issues feared worldwide because of its long-term consequences in infected individuals.  Objective: detect and genotype HBV among patients attending the Digestive System Hospital in Iraq and to identify associated risk factors. Methodology: This study was performed from November 2023 till February 2024 at Digestive System Hospital & Public Health Department laboratory, Iraq. All participants (n = 100) who were diagnosed with HBsAg positivity using ELISA were enrolled in the study. Results: 95 samples were confirmed positive for HBV DNA after extraction and purity analysis. X-gene and S-gene were amplified through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular detection; the bands were approximately 139 bp and 417 bp. Among them, the genotyping analysis showed a wide variety of genotypes, among which chronologically, genotype C was the most common, followed by D, B, C2, D3, F, and I. The epidemiological analysis showed that the proportion of HBV infection was in males (59%) than in females (41%), and was more common in the ages between 31–45 years old (36%) and those who had blood group O+ (52%). There were also notable associations between HBV infection and weight, family history, smoking, and educational level. But there was no correlation seen between HBV infection and chronic disease, or length of illness. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for focused public health measures and improved surveillance measures to control transmission of HBV in Iraq.

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