ABSTRACT
The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses in hemodialysis patients at Royal Medical Services hospitals in Jordan for May 2014. In addition, to find out the risk factors associated with these infections. This is a cross sectional study which was carried out in 7 dialysis units at Jordanian Royal Medical Services in Jordan In May 2014. The notes of patients on maintenance hemodialysis were reviewed and the patients were interviewed by the researchers to collect data regarding the serology status of these patients and potential risk factors which could be associated with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. A total of 712 patients were included in this study. Fifty six percent were males and their mean age was 48. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus was 7%. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus was 16.5%. Family history of hepatitis B infection and history of dialysis outside their specified units were found in 96% of patients with hepatitis B infection with a significant P- value <0.001, while history of hepatitis B vaccination was a strong protective factor against hepatitis B infection with a significant P- value of <0.001. Risk factors associated with hepatitis C infection were: age of the patient, duration of hemodialysis, dialysis outside, family history of hepatitis C, history of kidney transplant and dental procedures. Hepatitis B vaccination is of vital importance in prevention of hepatitis B infection in hemodialysis patients. Strict adherence to infection control guidelines as well as possible isolation of hepatitis C infected patients from other dialysis patients is essential to decrease the rate of hepatitis C and hepatitis B infections