Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in multitransfused thalassaemia patients

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant health concern among multitransfused thalassemia patients, despite advances in blood screening protocols. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV infection and identify associated risk factors in a cohort of regularly transfused thalassemia patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 thalassemia patients receiving regular blood transfusions. Participants were screened for HCV antibodies using ELISA, with positive cases confirmed by RT-PCR. Demographic data, transfusion history, and clinical parameters were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, odds ratios, and multivariate analysis to identify risk factors associated with HCV infection. Results: Among the 150 participants (54.7% male, mean age 12.5±8.3 years), 42 (28%) tested positive for HCV antibodies, with 38 (25.3%) confirmed positive by RT-PCR. Significant risk factors for HCV infection included age >10 years (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4-5.6, p = 0.003), transfusion duration >5 years (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6-6.4, p = 0.001), and receiving >15 transfusions/year (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.1, p = 0.012). HCV-positive patients demonstrated significantly higher levels of liver enzymes (ALT 72.5±38.4 vs 38.2±22.6 IU/L, p