The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Hemodialysis Patients in Oman: A National Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: HCV infection in hemodialysis units is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The risk of HCV infection among dialysis patients is higher compared to the general population due to high potential blood exposures in hemodialysis settings. This study aims to assess the national HCV seroprevalence in selected dialysis units and to determine the risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 January to 31 March 2021. A total of 734 patients from 11 hemodialysis centers in Oman were included. Samples were tested simultaneously for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. HCV genotyping was determined in all viremic patients. Demographic and hemodialysis center related data were gathered and their association with the positive HCV serology were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Out of 800 patients selected from 11 dialysis units for the study, 734 patients (91.8%) were included. The overall seroprevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients was 5.6%. (41/734). HCV RNA was detected in 31.7% (13/41) of seropositive hemodialysis patients. The most common genotype was subtype 1a, followed by subtype 3. Variables associated with high HCV prevalence were family history of HCV and duration of dialysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of infection within hemodialysis patients in Oman has significantly decreased but remained higher than the general population. Continuous monitoring and follow-up, including periodic serosurvey and linkage to care and treatment are recommended. Additionally, practice audits are recommended for identifying gaps and ensuring sustainability of best practices and further improvement.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Infection Among Pregnant Women in Oman.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of our study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among pregnant women in Oman. The secondary objectives were to test for other hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers and to determine hepatitis B viral load. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study conducted from June 2019 to December 2020, we randomly selected 2210 Omani women who attended antenatal clinics across the country. Pregnant women were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) using a commercial enzyme immunoassay; those who tested positive were further analyzed for other HBV serological markers: HBV core total antibody (anti-HBc), HBV core antibody IgM (immunoglobulin M) (anti-HBc IgM), hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B virus e antibody (anti-HBe). They were also tested for hepatitis B viral load. RESULTS: This study included 2210 women with a mean age of 39 years. Ninety-five percent of the women who were invited to participate consented and were included in the study. Thirty-three (1.49%) tested positive for HBsAg. All participants tested negative for HBeAg and anti-HBc IgM and positive for anti-HBc and anti-HBe, and 30 (90.9%) women had their hepatitis B viral load measured. Three (10.0%) had undetectable viral loads, 23 (76.7%) had low viral loads of < 2000 (IU/ml), 2 had moderate viral loads between 2000 and 200,000 (IU/ml) and one had a high viral load of 486,000 (IU/ml). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the HBV prevalence in pregnant women is 1.49%, which is lower than what was reported earlier. Nevertheless, antenatal screening is still warranted, as there are vital interventions for the newborn and the mother.