Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C virus infection and their co-relation with hematological and hepatic parameters in subjects undergoing Premarital Screening in the Jazan Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Objective: Hepatitis is a serious health concern with a high rate of mortality and morbidity world over. Saudi Arabia also has its course of the disease incidence. The data on the prevalence of the disease is still limiting. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus [HBV] and hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection in the Jazan region and study its effects on hematological and hepatic parameters.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at premarital screening centre located in King Fahd Central Hospital, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A total of 7,826, Saudi couples undertaking premarital screening from Jazan region, were enrolled in the study and screened between January 2014 and June 2015 for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. Complete blood counts and hepatic profile were carried out for individuals who were Hepatitis B and or C virus positive.

Results: A higher prevalence of hepatitis virus infection in male participants [HBV 1.9%; HCV 0.4%] than in females [HBV 1.43%; HCV 0.2%] was seen. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios were significantly decreased among HBV- and HCV-infected patients. The concentration of hepatic enzymes showed a statistically significant increase in seropositive individuals. The levels of albumin were significantly decreased in individuals with hepatitis B and C when compared with the control group.

Conclusions: The study concludes that the prevalence of HBV infection among Saudi subjects in Jazan was higher than the prevalence of HCV infection, and both HBV and HCV were higher in men than in women.