Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and D viral among hemodialysis patients in Tehran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Different studies show that the prevalence of hepatitis viruses in hemodialysis (HD) patients is much greater than general population. It is important to be aware of local prevalence data, in order to control infections and prevention of nosocomial transmission. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C, and D viral infections among HD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, among 360 HD patients from 5 hemodialysis centers. All HBsAg positive subjects were screened for Hepatitis B surface Ag (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus Ab (HCVAb) and Hepatitis D virus antibody (HDVAb), using specific enzyme linked immunoassay. RESULTS: 360 patients were involved including 213 males (59.17%) and 147 females (40.83%). The mean age in current study was 53.43 years. HBV positive (HBsAg positive) was found in 1.39% of patients, HCVAb in 3.06%, whereas no HDV positive patient was diagnosed. In HD, duration of 1–5 years has the highest frequency rate. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of HBV, HCV and HDV in hemodialysis patients seems low in Tehran province. Due to higher prevalence of HCV, it is recommended to check the patients for anti-HCV Ab before admission to the centers.