Research Article

Distribution of Hepatitis A Virus Infections with Public Health Impact in Al-Diwanya Province, Iraq

Abstract

Aim: Infection with the hepatitis A virus represents one of the very important and prevalent viral infections that associated with food and drinking water contamination, especially in developing countries that suffer from high population density and may be linked to poor sanitation services. Besides, some infections are also linked to lack of personal hygiene care, especially among children. It is necessary to continuously investigate the presence of such infections in different regions and for different ages and genders for the purpose of completely controlling this infection and preventing its spread. Objective: Iraq represent low to moderate endemic for hepatitis A virus. So, estimation of frequency of hepatitis A virus amongst population of Al-Diwanya province to determining the risk factors that could associated with this infection and working to combat or reduce the spread of such infections for the purpose of protecting society. Results: A total of 230 participants that suspected of infection with hepatitis A virus, only 66 (28.7%) showed seropositivity for this virus. This infection distributed according to age into four groups as following group A < 5(27%), group B 5-14 (38%), group C 15-45 (27%), and D > 45(20%) %), the mean/SD of age was (18.2±21.8). According to sex, the result showed the male rate was (67%) while female rate was (33%). According to residency, the result showed rural areas were (77%) while urban areas showed (23%). However, it was no significant statistically differences between the infection with Hepatitis A virus and age, sex, and residency of patients at (P < 0.05).