Objective: Infections due to blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as bacterial infections are among important problems in hemodialysis patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in patients undergoing hemodialysis, to reevaluate the patients susceptible to HBV, to screen isolated anti-HBc-positive patients for occult hepatitis B after identifying them.

Methods: 124 patients in hemodialysis programme and aged older than 18 years were included in this retrospective study. HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc total, anti-HCV and anti-HIV were studied. HBV DNA and HCV RNA were investigated in patients with isolated anti-HBc and anti-HCV antibody, respectively.

Results: HBsAg and anti-HIV were negative in all patients. The number of anti-HBs-negative and anti-HBs-positive patients was 21 (16.9%) and 103 (%83.1), respectively. Of patients, 64 (51.6%) were negative and 60 (%48.4) were positive with respect to anti-HBc. Of anti-HBs-positive patients, 50 (40.3%) had anti-HBc antibodies indicating that they had gained immunity against HBV by having the infection. Anti-HBc was positive in 10 (8%) of anti-HBs-negative patients. All of these patients whose HBV DNA was negative were included in the vaccination program. Anti-HCV was negative in 120 (96.8%) patients, and positive in 4 (3.2%) patients in whom HCV RNA was negative.

Conclusions: Hepatitis and HIV markers should be checked for patients in hemodialysis centers. HBV-sensitive patients should be vaccinated and the necessary precautions should be taken. Klimik Dergisi 2019; 32(2): 165-7.

Cite this article as: Yüksel E, Kaya Ş, Günay E, Araç E. [Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in hemodialysis patients]. Klimik Derg. 2019; 32(2): 165-7. Turkish.