iarjpidIARJPIDIARJPID2789-608010.47310/iarjpid.2024.v03i02.001Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Relation with Interleukin 10 in IraqMuhannadAbdullahAlazzawyKhalid O.MohammedAliIsraa H.SaadoonPh. D Medical Microbiology, Akitab University, College of Medical Technologies. Kirkuk IraqProf Dr. Medical Microbiology/ College of Medicine /Tikrit University.Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Hepacivirus and family Flaviviridae, is a significant cause of chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While intravenous exposure is the primary mode of transmission, HCV also contributes to non-hepatic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D). The liver's role in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance is crucial, and HCV infection may exacerbate these conditions, influencing the course of diabetes and the effectiveness of antiviral therapies. This study aims to evaluate the seroprevalence of HCV and its association with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Kirkuk General Hospital, Iraq, from December 2012 to May 2013. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 391 diabetic patients and 288 non-diabetic controls aged 22-81 years. Diabetes was classified based on the history of treatment with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. HCV-specific antibodies were detected using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Liver function tests, including Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), and Alkaline Phosphatase, were performed, and the levels of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured. Results: The prevalence of HCV antibodies was significantly higher in diabetic patients (6.65%) compared to controls (0.34%) (P < 0.01). No significant association was found between sex and HCV seropositivity among diabetic patients (P > 0.05). However, age analysis revealed a higher rate of seropositivity in the 52-61 age group (9.01%), though the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). A significant association was observed between HCV seropositivity and exposure to surgical operations among diabetic patients (P < 0.01). HCV-positive diabetic patients had higher rates of elevated liver enzymes—ALT (80.77%), AST (65.38%), and Alkaline Phosphatase (69.23%)—compared to HCV-negative and non-diabetic groups. Additionally, HCV-positive diabetic patients showed significantly higher IL-10 levels (98.5 ± 4.77 pg/ml) than HCV-negative diabetics (67.55 ± 4.11 pg/ml) and non-diabetic individuals (40.17 pg/ml) (P = 0.008). Conclusion: The study indicates a significant association between HCV infection and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, with diabetic patients showing higher HCV seroprevalence and elevated liver enzyme and IL-10 levels. The findings underscore the need for careful monitoring and management of liver function and immune response in diabetic patients, particularly those with HCV infection, to mitigate potential complications and improve therapeutic outcomes.