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Published on: December 15, 2023

Hepatitis B and C in dialysis units in Kosova

Skender Telaku1, Hajrullah Fejza, Ymer Elezi

  • 1Gastroenterology Unit, University Clinical Center of Kosova, Prishtina, Republic of Kosova. skendert@hotmail.com

Virology Journal
|June 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are highly prevalent in Kosovan hemodialysis (HD) patients, with rates of 12% and 43% respectively. These findings highlight the critical need for improved infection control measures in HD units.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
  • Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of these viral infections is crucial for patient management in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiological and clinical features of HCV and HBV infections among ESKD patients undergoing maintenance HD in Kosova.
  • To determine the prevalence rates of HBV and HCV in six different HD units across Kosova.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 583 ESKD patients on maintenance HD from six centers in Kosova.
  • Data collection included patient demographics, primary causes of ESKD, and serological markers for HBV (HBsAg) and HCV (anti-HCV antibody).
  • Serological markers were determined using the immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA) method.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of HBsAg (HBV) was 12%, and the prevalence of anti-HCV antibody (HCV) was 43% among the studied HD patients.
  • Chronic nephritis was identified as the most frequent cause of ESKD in this population.
  • A significant proportion (23.5%) of ESKD cases had an unknown etiology.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of HBV and HCV infections remains high among hemodialysis patients in Kosova.
  • These findings underscore the urgent necessity for stringent adherence to infection control protocols, barrier precautions, and preventive strategies in all HD units.
  • Enhanced surveillance and intervention programs are required to mitigate the impact of viral hepatitis in this vulnerable patient group.
Abstract

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