Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): A Review on its Prevalence and Infection in different areas of Iraq

Hepatitis B is a severe infection of liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) lead to progressive liver diseases, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It can cause acute and chronic infections. HBV infection is one of the serious concerns and a constant threat to public health. WHO ranks HBV among the top ten killers. It is estimated that more than 350 million hepatitis B carriers are present worldwide. This disease is generally transmitted through exposure to infected body fluids. Perinatal or vertical transmission is the major route of transmission in endemic areas. The incubation period of HBV varies from 1 to 6 months. Serological tests are conducted to detect antigens and antibodies in the serum of patients. ELISA is used to detect HBV antigen and antibody and PCR is used to detect HBV-DNA. There is no treatment available for acute infection. Chronic cases can be treated with medications. HBV infection is easily preventable with a vaccine. The present study focused on the compilation and review of (30) papers on the prevalence of HBV infection by Iraqi researchers in different areas of Iraq.