ABSTRACT
Hepatitis C virus [HCV] has been recognized as an emerging problem in dialysis patients, and viral hepatitis remains a major hazard for both patients and medical staff of hemodialysis [HD] units. The reported yearly incidence of anti-HCV antibody worldwide between HD patients ranges from 10.5% to 24%, while the prevalence of anti-HCV antibody among dialysis patients varies in different countries [5-85%] worldwide, and may exceed 95% in the Middle East To asses the prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus [HCV] among the hemodialysis unit in Al Kadhmiya Teaching Hospital and to identify the risk factors of infection in relation to age, sex, blood transfusions and duration of dialysis Across-sectional study was conducted in AL Nahrain College of Medicine in Al Kadhmiya Teaching Hospital in dialysis unit during the period from April 2008 to December 2010. 100 patients[58 male and 42 female their ages ranged from [15-75]. are known cases of end stage renal failure on regular haemodialysis. All patients underwent a history and physical examination at baseline and investigations include blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, serum calcium, phosphorus, liver function test and screen for hepatitis C virus antibodies were tested by using Murex anti-HCV ELISA, Positive cases were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction The prevalence of HCV infection in patients in the dialysis unit was 41%. This study showed that there was an association between the history of blood transfusions, duration of the dialysis and kidney transplantation and the prevalence of HCV infection,[P.value<0.001.]. Although the levels of AST and ALT were higher in the positive HCV marker group, there was no statistically significant difference between them. HCV infection is high in hemodialysis unit in alkadhmiya teaching hospital, HCV-related liver disease in patients on long-term dialysis often appears clinically mild, with only modest elevations in AST and ALT levels but most of them asymptomatic. Observation of appropriate preventive measures in the hemodialysis center is highly recommended