Presumable non-A, non-B hepatitis in hemodialysis

Hepatitis A and B markers, IgM-anti-CMV and -EBV were determined in 154 dialysis patients, 118 relatives of patients and 42 members of the staff. Episodes of elevated transaminases were investigated for presumable non-A, non-B hepatitis as well as secondary infections among relatives. --The cumulative frequency of HBV markers was 71% in center dialysis patients, 63% in home dialysis patients, 50% in staff and 19% in relatives. The frequency of HBV markers increased with duration of dialysis treatment and with the number of blood units transfused. Spouses of dialysis patients had more often HBV markers than other relatives (22% vs. 8.8%). 96.8% of the center dialysis patients, 83.3% of home-dialysis patients, 41% of the staff, and 42% of the relatives were anti-HAV-positive. The incidence of IgM-anti-CMV was highest in home-dialysis patients (15.5%). The frequency of IgM-anti-EBV was 4.3% in center-dialysis patients and 12.7% in home-dialysis patients. --9% of all dialysis patients had an episode of elevated transaminases compatible with non-A, non-B hepatitis. The possible secondary attack rate among relatives was 31%.