Vol. 4, Issue 10, Part D (2018)

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections represent significant public health issues globally. They are important causes of morbidity and mortality in haemodialysis patients. Patients with HBV/HCV co-infection have a higher risk of progression to cirrhosis and decompensated liver disease and have an increased risk of hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Because the two hepatotropic viruses share same modes of transmission, co-infection with the two viruses is not uncommon, especially in areas with a high prevalence of HCV infection and among people at high-risk for parenteral infection. Aims: To estimate the prevalence of HBV and HCV co-infection among haemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This single centered hospital-based study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Bikaner (Rajasthan), India. All the patients who underwent haemodialysis from November 2017 and June 2018 were included in the study. Patients of all age groups were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies by rapid card method-Alere Trueline, Alere Medical Pvt. Ltd, Gurgaon, Haryana, India. All positive cases for HBsAg were comfirmed by ELISA method- Hepalisa (J. Mitra & co. Pvt.Ltd). Okhla Indi. Area, New Delhi and for anti-HCV antibodies by Erba Lisa (Gen3) Transasia bio-medicals LTD. Ringanwada, Daman, India. Results: Of the total 112 patients on haemodialysis, 5 (4.46%) were found to be having HBsAg infection, 3 (2.68%) were found to be positive for HCV and co-infection with HBV/HCV was observed in 2 (1.78%) patients. Out of the total 10 patients having HBV & HCV infection, 7 (70%) were males and 3 (30%) were females and majority of the infected patients were found to be of 41-60 years of age group followed by 21-40 years of age group and 61-80 years of age group. Conclusion: The risk of co-infection is greater among the chronic renal failure (CRF) patients due to the high frequency of transfusions of blood/blood products and extracorporeal circulation during haemodialysis. Patients with HBV/HCV co-infection have a higher risk of progression to cirrhosis and decompensated liver disease and further have an increased risk of HCC. In our study, out of the total 112 patients, 5 (4.46%) were found to be having HBsAg infection, 3 (2.68%) were found to be positive for HCV and dual infection was observed in 2 (1.78%) patients.