Prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV infection among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Argentina

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground and AimBlood-borne infections are a major cause of damage in individuals on hemodialysis (HD). In particular, knowledge about the viral status of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in HD patients is gold data to face medical challenges. Related information is scarce in Argentina. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infections in HD patients from Buenos Aires, Argentina.MethodsSeven hundred and forty-eight HD patients were included in a retrospective cross-sectional study. Laboratories assays were performed to determine virological status. HCV genotyping was carried out by phylogenetic analysis of NS5B partial gene.ResultsInfection with one of the viruses was detected in 31.1% of patients [HBV in 82 (11.0%), HCV in 179 (23.9%), and HIV in 6 (0.8%)]. Thirty-two (4.3%) patients had two virus markers [27 (3.6%) with HCV/HBV, 4 (0.5%) with HCV/HIV and 1 (0.13%) with HBV/HIV]. Finally, one single patient (0.13%) presented all three markers. Time on dialysis was correlated with HCV infection but no with HBV. Distribution of HCV subtypes was inverted respect to the observed in general population [HCV-1a (73.2%) and HCV-1b (26.8%) in HD vs. HCV-1a (26.5%) and HCV-1b (73.5%) in general population, p<0.001].ConclusionsThese infections, mainly HCV, continue to occur at a very high rate in HD patients. Results emphasize the need to consider a priority the HCV infected patients in dialysis treatment and to vaccine against HBV in order to decrease its morbidity and mortality.