Immunoassay Study for Detection of Hepatitis C Virus among Blood Donors in Diwaniyah Governorate, Iraq Leelo Abdulameer K. Nursing College, Alqadisiyah University, Iraq Online published on 8 March, 2019. Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus can cause acute or chronic infection. Spread of HCV happens through communication of normal persons with HCV-infected blood components, body fluids or whole blood. The aim of current study was to identify the antibody against Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) by enzyme immunoassay in the blood donors (BD) in the Blood Transfusion Center (BTC) and the Central Public Health Laboratory in Diwaniyah Governorate. Methods This study was carried out from January 2015 till December 2016. It included immunoassay for 26318 blood donors during 2015 and 27657 blood donors during 2016. Results We detected that the incidence of HCV infection among blood donors in Diwaniyah during 2015 was 0.057%. Of the latter, 73.33% were from urban areas whereas 26.67% of them were from rural areas. During 2016, 0.203%of blood donors were seropositive for HCV. Of the latter, 71.4% lived in urban areas and 28.6% lived in rural areas. Conclusion Reviewing the risk factors related to HCV in Iraq would provide good evidence(s) for persons who are responsible for infection control and health planning to reduce the spread of HCV infection. Top Keywords Hepatitis C Virus; blood donors, Diwaniyah Governorate, Seropositive. Top |