Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis b and c among end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis in Gaborone, Botswana.

Background: Patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) are at risk of blood transmitted infections such as hepatitis B and C.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis in Gaborone, Botswana.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study with a retrospective longitudinal approach involving all eligible public patients undergoing hemodialysis was carried out for a period of 3 months. Data on socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, and hepatitis serology was collected using a case report form. Statistical Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used for data entry, cleaning, and analysis. The risk factors associated with Hepatitis B and C infections were determined using bivariate logistic regression analyses. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Of the 168 participants, 5 (2.98%) were HBsAg seropositive at the initiation of hemodialysis, whereas 2 (1.19%) were seropositive for anti-HCV antibodies at the initiation of hemodialysis. Two patients out of 163 (1.23%) were found to have seroconverted to HBsAg positivity during hemodialysis. One out of 166 patients (0.61%) seroconverted to HCV antibodies positivity during hemodialysis. The duration of hemodialysis, history of invasive procedures, HIV status, frequency of hospitalization, and blood transfusion were not associated with seroconversion for both Hepatitis B and C.

Conclusions: The prevalence hepatitis B and C infections among ESRD patients on hemodialysis is low. There was no significant association between the identified risk factors and HBV/HCV infection. Regular audits on seroconversion status for hepatitis B and C are recommended as a way of assessing and supporting the current strategies for infection control among HD patients.