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Prolonged time until seroconversion among hemodialysis patients: the need for HCV PCR
Matthias Schroeter1, Bernhard Zoellner, Susanne Polywka
1Zentrum für Klinisch-Theoretische Medizin I, Institut für Infektionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, DE-20246 Hamburg, Germany. mschroet@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Intervirology
|May 28, 2005
Summary
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is crucial for detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) in hemodialysis patients, even when initial tests are negative. This essential screening prevents disease spread in dialysis units.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis face a heightened risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of HCV is vital for preventing transmission within dialysis facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the necessity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in hemodialysis patients for hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis.
- To determine the role of PCR in detecting HCV infections that may be missed by standard serological assays.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study was conducted from 1995 to 2002.
- Serum samples from 1,774 hemodialysis patients were screened using both serological assays and PCR.
Main Results:
- Acute HCV infection was identified in 25 patients.
- HCV seroconversion was delayed in 11 patients, with infection detectable only by PCR for 3-16 months.
- PCR testing identified infections missed by serological assays during the delayed seroconversion period.
Conclusions:
- HCV PCR examination should be an indispensable component of routine screening for hemodialysis patients.
- Despite cost-containment pressures, PCR testing remains essential for comprehensive HCV surveillance in this high-risk population.