Abstract
Background and Aim: Hepatitis C virus is a major problem with an estimated global prevalence of 3%. The prevalence of HCV infection among dialysis patients is generally much higher than healthy blood donors and general population. Studies held in dialysis centers from different countries revealed that prevalence ranges from 1 to 84.6%. There is particular concern because it causes significant morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of the study was to study the prevalence of HCV infection and its genotype in HD patients, HCV viremia by PCR, demographic profile and risk factors of HCV infection. Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in 225 patients undergoing HD at Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad. Patients were subjected to screening for Anti-HCV antibody using ELISA, HCV RNA using RT PCR technique and genotyping. Further comparison was done with healthy control population and blood donor group. Statistical analysis of the data was done by Chi-square test using EPIINFO 2000 software with P < 0.001 highly significant and P > 0.05 insignificant. Results: Out of 225 hemodialysis patients 38 (16.8%) patients were anti HCV positive. Duration of dialysis was significantly longer in anti-HCV antibodies positive group with dialysis duration more than 2 years. Seropositivity is more in HD patients having dialysis more than one center. HCV RNA was detected in randomly selected 13/25 (52%) anti HCV positive patients. The genotype distribution was as 3a (7) 2a (2), 2b (1), mixed genotypes (3). Conclusion: Duration of dialysis, getting dialysis at more than one center is important association for anti-HCV antibodies positivity. Genotype 3 was predominant (61.11%). Detection of genotypes helps in initiation of therapy and prediction of prognosis in patients of chronic renal failure on hemodialysis. The authors have none to declare.
Published Version
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