Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 2, 2025

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
10:28

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks

Published on: June 26, 2020

9.8K

Prevalence and Genotypes of Hepatitis C Infection Among Hemodialysis Patients in Bushehr, Iran

Reza Taherkhani1, Fatemeh Farshadpour1, Reza Asayesh1

  • 1Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.

Oman Medical Journal
|April 19, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 5.4% of hemodialysis patients in Bushehr, Iran, with Arab ethnicity a risk factor. Regular screening and prompt treatment are crucial for this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in vulnerable populations.
  • Patients undergoing regular hemodialysis are at increased risk of acquiring infections due to frequent healthcare exposures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence, genotype distribution, and risk factors of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients in Bushehr province, Iran.
  • To compare HCV seroprevalence in hemodialysis patients with a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving chronic hemodialysis patients from three cities in Bushehr province.
  • HCV infection was detected using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibodies and semi-nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for viral RNA.
  • Sequencing was performed to identify HCV genotypes.

Main Results:

  • The overall anti-HCV antibody seroprevalence was 5.4% (15/279), with 0.7% (2/279) having detectable HCV viremia (genotype 3a).
  • Hemodialysis patients exhibited significantly higher HCV seroprevalence compared to the control group (p = 0.007).
  • Arab ethnicity was associated with significantly higher anti-HCV seroprevalence (p = 0.026); no association was found with sex, age, education, dialysis duration, or transfusion history.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights a notable prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients in Bushehr.
  • Regular screening for HCV in hemodialysis patients is recommended to facilitate early detection and treatment.
  • Targeted interventions may be necessary for ethnic groups identified as having higher risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
GenotypeHemodialysisHepatitis C VirusIranPrevalenceRisk Factors

More Related Videos

Dried Blood Spots - Preparing and Processing for Use in Immunoassays and in Molecular Techniques11:28

Dried Blood Spots - Preparing and Processing for Use in Immunoassays and in Molecular Techniques

Published on: March 13, 2015

40.5K
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection04:11

Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection

Published on: December 15, 2023

3.5K

Related Concept Videos

Hemodialysis I: Introduction01:25

Hemodialysis I: Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) is a medical treatment that artificially removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. In this process, blood is filtered through a semipermeable membrane, allowing for the selective removal of waste while preserving necessary components like blood cells and proteins. Hemodialysis is typically performed in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney...
87
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications01:24

Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications

DialyzersA hemodialysis (HD) dialyzer is a plastic cartridge containing thousands of parallel hollow fibers, which serve as semipermeable membranes. These fibers are typically made from cellulose-based or other synthetic materials. During HD, blood is pumped into the top of the cartridge and distributed among these fibers. Simultaneously, dialysis fluid, known as dialysate, is introduced into the bottom of the cartridge, bathing the outside of the fibers. Across the semipermeable membrane,...
45
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors01:16

Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
171