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Prevalence of occult hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis patients

Masomeh Bayani1, Mohammad Reza Hasanjani Roushan1, Mohammad Jafar Soleimani Amiri1

  • 1Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.

Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine
|November 25, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Occult hepatitis C infection (OCI) affects hemodialysis patients, with prevalence linked to longer dialysis duration. This study found OCI in 2.65% of patients, highlighting transmission risks in dialysis settings.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Hemodialysis patients are at risk of viral infections, including occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OCI).
  • OCI is defined by the presence of HCV in tissues like the liver and PBMCs, despite negative serum tests and normal liver enzymes.
  • Understanding OCI prevalence in hemodialysis patients is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis C infection (OCI) in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
  • To investigate potential associations between OCI and factors such as age, sex, and duration of dialysis.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted on 302 hemodialysis patients in Mazandaran province, Iran (2012-2014).
  • Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were tested for HCV RNA using real-time PCR.
  • Patients with positive HCV antibodies were excluded prior to enrollment.

Main Results:

  • Eight patients (2.65%) were diagnosed with occult hepatitis C infection (OCI).
  • A significant association was found between the duration of hemodialysis and the prevalence of OCI (P=0.017).
  • No significant association was observed between OCI and patient age or sex.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of occult hepatitis C infection (OCI) in hemodialysis patients was found to be 2.65%.
  • Longer duration of dialysis is a significant risk factor for developing OCI in this population.
  • These findings underscore the importance of vigilant screening and infection control measures in hemodialysis units.
Abstract

Keywords:
HemodialysisHepatitis COccult infection

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