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Seropositivity to hepatitis C virus in Saudi haemodialysis patients
M N al Nasser1, M A al Mugeiren, S A Assuhaimi
1Department of Paediatric, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly prevalent in Saudi hemodialysis patients, with infection linked to blood transfusions and dialysis duration. Current hepatitis B virus (HBV) strategies are effective, but new approaches are needed for HCV prevention in this population.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- Hepatitis B, C, and D viruses pose significant risks to hemodialysis patients.
- Understanding viral seropositivity in specific regions is crucial for public health.
- The Al Baha region in Saudi Arabia has a notable prevalence of these viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seropositivity rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) in Saudi hemodialysis patients.
- To compare these rates with those in healthy individuals from the same region.
- To identify risk factors associated with HCV infection in hemodialysis patients.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for HBV, HCV, and HDV markers was performed.
- A cohort of 66 Saudi hemodialysis patients was studied.
- A control group of 380 healthy Saudis from the Al Baha region was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- HCV is endemic in the region (3.6% in controls).
- Anti-HCV prevalence was 45.5% in hemodialysis patients, significantly higher than controls.
- HCV infection was associated with >5 units of blood transfused and >3 years of dialysis.
- HBV exposure rates were 75.7% in patients vs. 67.4% in controls.
- HDV prevalence was 12.5% in patients vs. 11.4% in controls.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of anti-HCV in hemodialysis patients suggests a critical need for improved HCV prevention strategies.
- Current HBV vaccination and prevention strategies appear effective in controlling HBV and HDV transmission in this patient group.
- Further research and targeted interventions are recommended to combat HCV in hemodialysis settings.
Abstract:
Seropositivity to hepatitis B, C and D viruses was studied in 66 Saudi haemodialysis patients from Al Baha region, south of Saudi Arabia, and was compared to that in 380 healthy Saudis from the same region. The results showed that HCV is endemic in this region (3.6%) and the prevalence of anti-HCV in the haemodialysis patients was 45.5%, which is the highest reported so far in this group of patients. Anti-HCV was related to the amount of blood transfused (greater than 5 units) and the duration of dialysis (greater than 3 years). The region is also hyperendemic for hepatitis B virus (67.4% overall exposure rate in controls compared to 75.7% in haemodialysis patients) and hepatitis D virus (HDV; 11.4% in controls compared to 12.5% in haemodialysis patients). The similarity in profile of HBV markers and HDV between haemodialysis patients and controls indicates that the current strategy regarding HBV is quite effective, in preventing the transmission of HBV and hence HDV but not HCV in haemodialysis patients. A strategy for preventing HCV is recommended.