Epidemiology of hepatitis C in a population of hemodialysis patients

Nephron. 1992;61(3):298-9. doi: 10.1159/000186911.

Abstract

A search for antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV) was performed in 185 patients on chronic hemodialysis by means of 1st and 2nd generation ELISA tests. Immunoblot assays were performed on positive sera. This study shows a 38% prevalence of HCV-positive patients in our dialysis population according to the 2nd generation ELISA test which shows a higher specificity and sensitivity when compared to the 1st generation one (38 vs. 20%). A correlation was found between the prevalence of HCV-positive patients and how long they had been on dialysis and how many blood transfusions they had received.

MeSH terms

  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / immunology
  • Cross Infection / transmission
  • Hepacivirus / immunology
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / immunology
  • Hepatitis C / transmission
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects*
  • Transfusion Reaction

Substances

  • Hepatitis Antibodies