The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its associated risk factors among haemodialysis (HD) patients in Gaza strip was investigated using serological and molecular techniques.
Results: The overall prevalence of HBV among the four HD centers was 8.1%. The main risk factors were HD center (p=0.05), history of blood transfusion (p<0.01), and treatment abroad (p=0.01).
The overall prevalence of HCV among the four HD centers was 22%. The main risk factors were HD center (p<0.01), time duration on HD (p<0.01), history of blood transfusion (p<0.01), treatment abroad (p<0.01), and history of blood transfusion abroad (p<0.01).
Serum aminotransferases levels decreased in HD patients compared with normal population but still there was a direct association between the activity of liver enzymes and both HBV (p<0.01) and HCV (p<0.01) infection.
Conclusion: The much higher prevalence of Hepatitis viruses among HD patients compared to the normal population of Gaza strip indicates a causative relation between HD and hepatitis viruses transmission. Therefore extremely careful observation of preventive infection control measures is essential to limit Hepatitis viruses'transmission in HD centers.
Author: Abed El-kader El-OttolAbdelraouf ElmanamaBasim Ayesh
Credits/Source: Virology Journal 2010, 7:210
Published on: 2010-09-01
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