HB_sAg in Donors, Patients, Laboratory Personnel and Housestaff of a Military Hospital in IRAQ: A Seroepidemiologic Study

This study is an evaluation of the magnitude of the problem of hepatitis in the Iraqi army using a seroepi-demiological investigation conducted in Al-Rashid Military Hospital. Four hundred and fourteen blood samples collected from patients with acute viral hepatitis, blood donors, hospital, laboratory staff and of family contacts of carriers were tested for HB_sAg by the CIEP and HA technics. In addition, a questionaire (relating to the epidemiological behavior of the disease) was filled in for each individual following a direct interview. The HB_sAg incidence was 3.5% among volunteer blood donors, 4% among military unit contacts of carriers, 20% among wives of carriers, 8% of other members of the family, 8% of laboratory staff, 7% of the operating theater staff, 6.5% of surgical ward staff, 21. 5% of patients in the dialysis unit and 8% of its staff. No statistically significant difference in incidence was found in relation to age, blood groups and urban or rural living. Most carriers showed normal transaminase and serum protein levels. Of patients with acute hepatitis, 50% showed detectable antigen when samples were collected during the first week of jaundice and 30% when sera were collected and examined 4-6 wks. following onset of jaundice. The antigen disappeared in 95% of these cases within 3 months. In conclusion, this study provides statistical evidence for the importance of the degree of contact with carriers or with blood products in the transmission and prevalence of viral heoatitis.

 

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