Prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies in hemodialysis patients

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of HBsAg and antibodes to hepatitis C virus [HCV Ab's], in 50 staff members [group I] and 64 patients, 25 patients on regular hemodialysis [HD] for less than one year [group II] and 39 patients on regular HD for more than one year [group III], was determined. Six patients were HBsAg positive, 2 [8%] of group II and 4 patients [10.3%] of group III, respectively. As regards HCV 18 patients [72%] of group II and 39 patients [100%] of group III were positive, there was a significant increased positivity when compared both groups with control [p <0.001 and 0.0001] and there was a significant increase positivity in group III when compared with group II [p <0.01]. It was concluded that the duration of dialysis is a more serious risk factor in HCV infection, and liver enzymes elevation in patients on dialysis was related to HCV infection