Qom University of Medical Sciences Journal

Background and Objectives: Patients with major ß-Thalassaemia-due to their constant need for blood transfusion-are at the risk of blood-transmitted diseases such as hepatitis B, C and HIV. Moreover, the residual risk of blood-transmittable viruses in window period during blood donation remains un-detected in antibody screening test. In the study the prevalence of hepatitis B, C and HIV were examined in patients with major ß-thalassaemia. Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 142 patients with major ß-thalassaemi in city of Qom in 2007. At first, a questionnaire was filled by each patient. It elicited demographic ،information including age, sex, frequency of blood transfusion per year, time of diagnosis, history of vaccination and….. Then blood samples of patients were tested to detect serum markers including HB s Ag, Anti-HCV, Anti-HIV with Eliza method. Positive EIA results of HBSAg and Anti-HCV were confirmed respectively with neutralization, RIBA and Blot tests. Results: Out of 142 patients with major ß–thalasseamia in this study, 76(53.5%) were male and 66 (46.5%) female. The average age of patients was 14.3 years and 3% of patients were married. The average age of diagnosis of disease was 10/9 years. 63% of patients had received the vaccine. Among 142 patients, one was seropositive for HBSAg and 19 for anti HCV. There was no case of HIV positive. Conclusion: The results showed the prevalence of hepatitis C in patients with major ß-Thalassemia in Qom to be relatively low (13.38%), but it seems that screening the blood donors effectively decreases the prevalence and incidence of infection.