Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis pateints in Sulaimani

ABSTRACT

Haemodialysis patients have an increased risk of exposure to hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection. A high prevalence of HCV infection in hemodialysis [HD] patients has been reported. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among HD patients and its association with certain sociodemographic variables and risk factors in Sulaimani governorate. A total of 101 patients on hemodialysis in sulaimani dialysis unit were studied from 1[st] October to 31[st] of December 2009. All study subjects were screened for anti- HCV antibody by third generation ELISA and confirmed by RIBA 111. Soci-demographic data and Factors that might be implicated in HCV transmission were collected. The overall prevalence of HCV was 26.7%. A significant association of anti- HCV with dialysis duration, history of blood transfusion, number of transfused blood units was found. HCV is common among Sulaimani hemodialysis patients, and significantly associated with length of dialysis and number of transfused blood units. The use of separate machines for those who are anti-HCV positive should be emphasized