Evaluation of Iron Biomarkers and Haematological Variables in Asymptomatic Individuals Infected by Hepatitis C Virus in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

• Author(s): Okereke, Chibueze Aphogu ; Prof. Ufelle Silas
• Paper ID: 1710277
• Page: 933-968
• Published Date: 28-08-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 2 August-2025

Abstract

Alteration in iron biomarkers is a common finding in viral hepatitis. The knowledge of the frequency of the haematological abnormalities in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection will support the need for this indispensable tool in the investigation of infectious disease. This work was designed to investigate the changes in iron biomarkers and haematological variables of asymptomatic HCV infected individuals. Ethical clearance was obtained from Health Research and Ethical Committee of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozalla. One hundred and thirty individuals with asymptomatic HCV infection were drawn from thirteen Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, consisting of 60 males and 70 females. Informed consent were obtained from them after pretest counseling. Blood sample (8.0ml) was collected aseptically from each individual using a sterile syringe and needle and3.0ml was placed in ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid and 5.0ml in plain container. The analysis of the samples were done in Marylmas Research and Diagnostic Laboratory in Abakaliki using standard operating procedure and automation using automated machine, sysmex XT4000i (United State of America) for complete blood count. The significant (p < 0.05) results of male asymptomatic HCV infected individuals were increased ferritin (644.35 ± 98.42µg/L), increased total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (88.51 ± 4.68µmol/L), increased to transferrin (3.54 ± 0.91g/L) , decreased total iron (15.81± 8.94µmol/L) and decreased transferrin saturation (17.82 ± 10.21%) compared to control: ferritin (227.67 ± 43.95µg/L), TIBC (67.00 ± 4.10µmol/L), transferrin (2.68 ± 0.16g/L), total iron (28.33 ± 1.03µmol/L) and transferrin saturation (42.67 ± 1.37%). Their significant (p < 0.05) results for complete blood count were increased total white blood Cell (TWBC) (4.78 ± 1.54 x 109/L), increased red blood cell (RBC) (5.23 ± 0.75 x 1012/L), increased haemoglobin (15.34 ± 2.30g/dL), increased haemotocrit (42.34 ± 5.25%) compared to control :TWBC (3.33 ± 0.21 x 109/L), RBC (4.33 ± 0.41 x 1012/L), haemoglobin (13.33 ± 0.49g/dL) and haemotocrit (35.80 ± 2.06%). The significant (p < 0.05) results of female asymptomatic HCV infected individuals were increased ferritin (502.78 ± 350.14µg/L), increased TIBC (89.30 ± 11.07 µmol/L), increased transferrin (3.57 ± 0.44%), decreased total iron (13.43 ± 7.66µmol/L), decreased transferrin saturation (14.78 ± 7.79%) compared to control: ferritin (82.67 ± 19.13 µg/L), TIBC (53.33 ± 2.73µmol/L), transferrin (2.13 ± 0.11g/L), total iron (21.33 ± 1.37µmol/L), transferrin saturation (40.00 ± 0.89%). Their significant (p < 0.05) results for complete blood count were increased TWBC (5.53 ± 1.83 x 109/L), increased RBC (5.28 ± 1.12 x 1012/L), increased haemoglobin (15.20 ± 3.36g/dL), increased haemotocrit (41.39 ± 8.23%) compared to control TWBC (3.40 ± 0.32 x 109/L), RBC (3.81 ± 0.77 x 1012/L), haemoglobin (11.33 ± 0.40g/dL), haemotocrit (30. 87 ± 1.36%). The results suggested that HCV infection modulates iron metabolism and homeostasis in host hepatic cell. The elevated serum ferritin acts as a marker of inflammation and infection in these individuals. The severity and progression of liver diseases depends on the levels of serum ferritin and transferrin. The HCV infection appears to have little effect on the haematological variables in the study.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Okereke, Chibueze Aphogu , Prof. Ufelle Silas "Evaluation of Iron Biomarkers and Haematological Variables in Asymptomatic Individuals Infected by Hepatitis C Virus in Ebonyi State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 2 2025 Page 933-968

IEEE:
Okereke, Chibueze Aphogu , Prof. Ufelle Silas "Evaluation of Iron Biomarkers and Haematological Variables in Asymptomatic Individuals Infected by Hepatitis C Virus in Ebonyi State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(2)