Objective This population-based study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods We analyzed the national COVID-19 database that contains data regarding COVID-19 testing, management, and clinical outcomes in Duhok. For this study, different subdistricts within each district of Duhok were considered distinct clusters. Blood samples were collected from and questionnaires were administered to eligible and consenting participants who were members of different families from the subdistricts. Immunoassays were conducted to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and the associations between certain variables were investigated. Results The average number cases of COVID-19 before November 2020 was 23141 ± 4364, which was significantly higher than the average number of cases between November 2020 and February 2021 (3737 ± 2634; P = 0.001). A total of 743 individuals agreed to participate and were enrolled in the study. Among the participants, 465/743 (62.58%) were found to have antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Among the participants with antibodies, 262/465 (56.34%) denied having any history of COVID-19-related symptoms. The most common symptom was fever (81.77%), followed by myalgia (81.28%). We found that antibody levels increased steadily with age (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.117; P = 0.012). A significant association was found between antibody levels and the presence of symptoms (P = 0.023; odds ratio = 1.0023; 95% confidence interval = 1.0002-1.0061). Conclusions A significant reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases was observed. This might be due to the high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Duhok. However, infection-prevention measures should be followed as it remains unclear whether acquired immunity is protective against reinfection. It expected that the infection rates during the next wave will not be as high as the first wave due to the high infection rate in the society.

Background: Infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major global public health problems. Infection with such viruses is commonly associated with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of HBV and HCV in women in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed in Zakho City, Iraq between January 2019 and October 2019. A total of 2223 females aged between 18 to 52 years old were included in this study. ELISA test was used to determine HBsAg, HBc IgG, and HCV antibodies positivity. HCV positive samples were then confirmed by Xpert HCV quantification assay. Results: Among the studied subjects, 12/2223 (0.54%) samples were positive for HBs Ag. All these 12 patients showed also positivity for HBc IgG. Only 1/2223 (0.045%) sample was positive for HCV antibodies. The result of HCV-RT-PCR confirmed the positivity for this patient. Conclusions: The low prevalence rate of HBV and HCV infection among women in Zakho City was less than that reported in other studies. Population-based study is needed to estimate the prevalence of infection.

Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the seroprevalence of total antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and associated risk factors in Zakho City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at Zako City, Northern, Iraq. Blood samples were collected from different districts of Zakho city between January and March 2021. Immunoassays were performed to detect the total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and the associations between several variables were investigated. Results: A total of 315 participants were agreed and enrolled in the study. The average age of the participants was 32.87±13.25 years.  Among the participants, 214/315 (67.93%) were found to have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Among those who had positive antibodies, 169/214 (78.97%) were asymptomatic and 45/214 (21.03%) had a history of COVID-19 related symptoms. The most common symptom was fever (95.56%), followed by loss of smell (84.44%) and myalgia (80.0%). We found that antibody levels significantly associated with age (P=0.021). The presence of symptoms was significantly higher among subjects with a history of comorbidity diseases (P=0.038), and older people (P = 0.015). A significant association was found between antibody levels and the marital status (P=0.014), chronic diseases (P=0.001), presence (P=0.015) and duration of symptoms (P=0.028). Conclusion: A significant association between antibody levels to SARS-CoV-2 and age, chronic diseases, presence and duration of symptoms were found in this study. Seroprevalence studies of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among general population are of utmost importance to develop infection prevention programs in our society.

Background: Hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infections are major global health issues and the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in couples attending a premarital screening program in Zakho city, Kurdistan region, Iraq. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Zakho city, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, between January and October 2019. During this period, 2123 couples were screened for HBV and HCV as a part of premarital screening. The age of couples ranged from 18 to 63 years old. ELISA test was used to detect HBsAg, HBc IgG, and HCV Ab. Hepatitis C virus Ab positivity was then confirmed by HCV RT-PCR, and all HCV positive patients were then tested for genotyping. Results: Among the recruited subjects, 38/4246 (0.89%) patients were positive for HBsAg. Of these, 12/2123 (0.57%) were females, and 26/2123 (1.22%) were males. Hepatitis C virus RT-PCR confirmed HCV positivity for one female patient who was further confirmed to be infected with HCV genotype 4. Conclusions: To conclude, the present study showed a relatively low prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in the couples tested through the premarital screening program in Zakho city. The prevalence of HBV seropositivity was higher in males than females. Therefore special attention should be paid to males during prevention strategies.