Abstract
Introduction: Patients with beta-thalassemia major suffer from impaired function and components of the immune system. Hepatitis C virus infection exacerbates the inherited and acquired immunity of beta-thalassemia patients. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of spirulina administration on the indicators of immunity, serum liver function, ferritin and viral load in children of beta-thalassemia major comorbid with the hepatitis C virus. Methods: This study was a single-arm clinical trial carried on 60 children (30 healthy and 30 with beta-thalassemia major and hepatitis C). Spirulina was administered daily for 3 months to patients only. Results: The results showed amelioration of the blood picture (HB, RBCs, and WBCs), ferritin level, blood transfusion intervals, liver enzymes (ALT and AST), viral load, and many of the immune markers (IFN-gamma, CD4+, and CD4+CD25+) after spirulina therapy. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that spirulina ameliorated hepatitis caused by virus C in children comorbid with beta-thalassemia major disease. The mechanism may be via lowering serum ferritin levels and improved immunity.