HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV and HIV Seroprevalence in Hemodialysis Patients in Elazig Province

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs, anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity in hemodialysis patients in Elazig province. Materials and Methods: All patients receiving hemodialysis in Elazig province were included in the study. Patients with HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and HIV seropositivity were retrospectively evaluated using data between January 1, 2017 and December 12, 2017. Serological HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV and HIV values were tested. Patients' data regarding age, sex and dialysis duration were recorded. Results: A total of 434 patients were included in the study. A hundred and sixty seven patients (38.5%) were female, and 267 (61.5%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 59.04 (range: 12-87) years. HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV positivity was detected in a total of 25 (5.8%) 341 (78.6%) and of 5 (1.2%) patients, respectively. HIV positivity was not found in any of the patients. When the relationship of seropositivity with dialysis durations and age groups was evaluated, no statistically significant difference was detected between the subgroups for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV positivity rates. Conclusion: The low rate detected for anti-HCV positivity in this study was related with the low prevalence of HCV in our province, decrease in the need for transfusion as a result of erythropoietin use, and strict and monitored application of infection control measures.