Abstract
Background and Objectives: The Clotting – factor concentration (CFC) used for prophylaxis or treatment of haemorrhage in patients with haemophylia is a potential source of transmission of blood- borne viruses. Therefore, the study of these viruses is important and necessary in these patients.
Materials and Methods: In this study 52 hemophilic patients, positive for hepatitis C virus antibodies
( anti- HCV ) and negative for HIV, were randomly selected as case group. The same number of haemophylic patients age and sex matched and anti- HCV and HIV antibodies negative, were selected and studied as a control group. All serum samples were studied for HBsAg, CMV and EBV specific antibodies using ELISA method. Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT) and Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST) were performed with the standard methods in these patients and controls.
Results: Our findings indicated that 7.6%, 61.5% and 57.6% of patients and 3.8%, 42% and 48% of the control group were positive for HBsAg, CMV and EBV specific IgG antibodies respectively. Significant correlation was only noticed in the case of CMV between the both groups (p=049). Serum ALT and AST were higher in both groups but significantly higher in the case group. More than 50% co – infection was noticed in the both groups. The serum ALT and AST activity in these groups were higher than the other groups.
Conclusion: In spite of using controlled blood products by hemophilic patients, they are still one of the high risk groups for blood – borne viruses. Therefore the study of these patients for above mentioned viruses is probably necessary for individual and social health.