Abstract

Background: Infections such as viral hepatitis (both B and C) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have major role in morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. It is important to know the prevalence of these infections in HD patients to encounter medical challenges. Not much work has been carried out in this regard in Western Rajasthan.

Objectives: To find out the prevalence and age, sex, religion-wise distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infections in HD patients in a tertiary care institute of Western Rajasthan.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months in HD unit at Dr. S. N. Medical College, Jodhpur. All patients (n = 1314) were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) and HIV antibody. Prevalence and age, sex, religion-wise distribution of these infections were observed.

Results: A total of 1314 patients (967 males and 347 females) were screened for the presence of HBV, HCV and HIV infections. It was found that 92 (7.0%) patients were positive only for HBsAg, 483 (36.75%) only for anti-HCV, 12 (0.9%) for HIV antibody and 4 (0.3%) had dual HBV and HCV infection.

Conclusion: There is a considerable burden of these infections in HD patient. Effort should be made to minimize infections to improve morbidly and mortality profile.

Key words: Hemodialysis; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Human Immunodeficiency Virus