Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus in Hemodialysis Patients: A Prevalence Study from Dialysis Centers in El-Beyda and Almarj- Libya

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections represent significant public health issues globally. These infection is a lead cause of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Yet, little research has focused on the morbidity measures of these serious disorders in low and middle income countries.

Aims: The study aims to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among HD patients in El-Beyda and Almarj cities. All the patients who underwent hemodialysis from January 2013 to December 2016 were included in the study. Patients of all age groups were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies by third regeneration linked immunoassay (ELISA).

Results: In overall, 645 patients by end of 2016, 360 males (55.8%) and 285 females (44.2%) hemodialysis HD patients attending were recruited. The majority of the patients were found to be >50 years of age (41.1%) followed by 31-40 years (22.5%) and thereafter in 41-50 years (18%) and lowest prevalence was observed in the age group of <20 years (8.1%). Seroconversion rates were (0.3%, 0.5%) for hepatitis B surface antigen and (1.24%, 8.68%), for anti-HCV antibodies in El-Beyda and Almarj respectively. Patients on maintenance HD units in couple of cities have a high incidence and prevalence of HCV infection comparison to HBV infection. Additionally, patients on maintenance HD units in El-Beyda have a low levels of infection comparison to HD unit in Almarj.

Conclusion: Urgent action is required to improve infection control measures in HD centres and to reduce dependence practically on blood transfusions which consider main reasons for infection in both units.