Seroprevalence and Seroconversion of Hepatitis B and C Viruses in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-sectional Study.

Introduction: Among hemodialysis patients, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity. Infection with these hepatotropic viruses in hemodialysis patients is due to their increased contact with blood and its derivatives. Additionally, not following the proper protocol for infection control, contaminated devices, and untrained personnel contribute to the nosocomial transmission of these infections. This cross-sectional study was planned to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies in patients to know the seroconversion rate for hepatitis B and hepatitis C and to evaluate the risk factors that contribute to seroconversion in patients undergoing hemodialysis at our center.

Materials And Methods: This study included 185 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis in our center. After giving informed consent, a blood sample from each patient was collected for testing for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies initially and then every month.

Results: Of the total 185 patients, five participants tested positive for HBV (2.7%), and 29 individuals tested positive for HCV (15.67%). During the study period, seroconversion for hepatitis C was observed in three patients (1.62%), and seroconversion for hepatitis B was observed in one patient (0.54%). An evaluation of the potential risk factors revealed that dialysis conducted outside the facility contributed significantly to HCV infection.

Conclusion: Our study shows lower HBV rates but higher HCV rates. The demographic data of the patients and the duration of dialysis are related to the risk of infection. Dialysis within the same healthcare facilities reduces the transmission risk.