ABSTRACT
A high prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients has been reported worldwide. Risk factors such as history of blood transfusion, duration of hemodialysis and recently nosocomial transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units have been identified. In this study the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus antibody and risk factors in hemodialysis patients in Markazi province is investigated. In this cross-sectional analythical study, blood samples were obtained from all 204 hemodialysis patients. Samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies by using third generation enzyme immunoassay. The reactive samples on ELISA were confirmed by the third generation RIBA. Risk factors were evaluated by a questionnaire. Data was analysed using Chi square and logistic regression. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody among hemodialysis patients was 4.9%. Duration of hemodialysis was identified as a major risk factor in transmission of HCV [p=0.004]. There was a significant relationship between anti-HCV positivity and previous renal transplantation [p=0.032]. Female sex was another risk factor for HCV infection [p=0.030]. There was no significant relationship between anti-HCV positivity and history of blood transfusion. Nosocomial transmission of HCV within hemodialysis units seems to be a route of infection in patients on hemodialysis in Markazi province. Application of dialysis precautions recommended by CDC can reduce the prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients in this province