Biochemical and genotyping characteristic of the patients with hepatitis C in the south of Iraq

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant public health concern in Iraq, and its impact on patients' health and well-being needs thorough evaluation. This study was conducted in Nasiriya, a city located in southern Iraq, with the primary aim of assessing and comparing various aspects of HCV patients, including viral load, HCV genotypes, liver function, serum lipid profile, Vitamin D3 (VD3), and calcium levels. The study aimed to shed light on the different manifestations of HCV in patients and compare them to healthy controls to better understand the disease's progression. The study included a total of 100 participants, comprising 75 controls and 25 HCV-infected patients. The patient group consisted of 38 males and 37 females. The age range of the patients was broad, spanning from 10 to 70 years. Patients were categorized into five age groups: P1 (10 to 25 years), P2 (26 to 40 years), P3 (41 to 55 years), P4 (56 to 70 years), and P5 (above 70 years). HCV Genotypes: The findings revealed that the HCV-infected patients exhibited different genotypes, with 28% having genotype 1a, 40% having genotype 1b, and 32% having genotype 4. This distribution highlights the heterogeneity of HCV genotypes in the Nasiriya population. Liver Function Tests: The study observed a statistically significant increase in serum Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) concentrations in HCV patients compared to the control group (p<0.01). Moreover, both male and female HCV patients had higher Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) concentrations than the control group, indicating liver damage in infected patients. Additionally, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were significantly higher in the patient group compared to controls, indicating possible liver dysfunction. Lipid Profile: Triglyceride (TG) concentrations in infected patients were significantly elevated compared to non-infected patients and control groups. However, no discernible changes were observed in cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations between HCV patients and controls. Vitamin D3 (VD3) Levels: All patient age groups showed significantly lower VD3 concentrations when compared to their respective control groups. This suggests a potential link between HCV infection and reduced VD3 levels, which might contribute to immune dysregulation and disease progression. Calcium Levels: Calcium concentrations in HCV patients decreased significantly compared to the control group. This finding may indicate impaired calcium homeostasis in infected individuals, which could impact bone health and other physiological processes. This comprehensive study conducted in Nasiriya, southern Iraq, provides valuable insights into the different manifestations of HCV infection in patients. The analysis of viral load, HCV genotypes, liver function, lipid profile, VD3, and calcium levels reveals several significant associations and highlights potential areas for further investigation and clinical management. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving the overall care and outcomes of HCV patients in the region. However, further research is necessary to validate and expand upon these findings.