Hepatitis C virus infection among haemodialysis patients in Al-Anbar governorate

I. Al-Mashhadani, Jalil

	Hepatitis C virus infection among haemodialysis patients in Al-Anbar governorate
IRAQI JOURNALOF COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Article 1, Volume 20, Issue 1, 2007, Pages 20-23
Author
Jalil I. Al-Mashhadani
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus is a major health problem in haemodialysis patients. Many workers described the prevalence of anti-HCV among selected population in Iraq. No study among haemodialysis patients was reported in Al-Anbar governorate. Objective: this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among haemodialysis patients and other risk factors in Al-Anbar province. Materials & Methods: A total of 87 haemodialysis patients together with sixty renal - unit staff members as controls were included in this study. A questionnaire form was filled for each subject. The data requested included demographic data and risk factors for exposure to HCV such as blood transfusion and duration of dialysis. All participants were screened for anti-HCV and HBsAg. Results: A significant higher rate of anti-HCV among haemodialysis patients (11.7%) than controls (1.6%). Anti-HCV rate was significantly higher among haemodialysis patients with history of blood transfusion than those without such a risk factor. Patients with longer duration on dialysis had significantly higher rate of anti-HCV when compared with those with shorter duration on dialysis. We found no significant association between anti-HCV positivity and exposure to hepatitis B or gender. Conclusion: A significant association between HCV infection and haemodialysis patients was suggested by this study. Blood transfusion and duration of haemodialysis are main risk factors for the prevalence of HCV infection. Key words: HCV infection, haemodialysis, Al-Anbar governorate
Keywords
HCV infection; Haemodialysis; Anbar governorate

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