Author/Authors :
Ramezani, Amitis Department of Clinical Research - Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran , Aghasadeghi, Mohammad Reza Department of Hepatitis and AIDS - Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran , Ahmadi, Farrokhlagha Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Razeghi, Effat Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran , Eslamifar, Ali Department of Clinical Research - Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran , Banifazl, Mohammad Iranian Society for Support Patients With Infectious Diseases, Tehran , Sofian, Masoomeh Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak , Bahramali, Golnaz Department of Hepatitis and AIDS - Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran , Hekmat, Soheila Department of Hepatitis and AIDS - Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran , Aghakhani, Arezoo Department of Clinical Research - Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran
Abstract :
Background: Occult Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is defined as the presence of HBV-DNA in the liver or serum with undetectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at risk of acquiring parenterally transmitted infections.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of OBI in HD patients.
Patients and Methods: A hundred HBsAg negative HD patients were included in this study from main dialysis units in Tehran, Iran. HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and liver enzymes levels were examined in all subjects. The presence of HBV-DNA was determined in plasma samples using real-time PCR.
Results: A hundredpatients with a mean age of 58.5 ± 16.1 years were enrolled in this study. In total, 56.7% were male and 43.3% female. Anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and anti-HIV were detected in 56.7%, 2%, 5.2% and 1% of patients, respectively. Isolated anti-HBc was detected in 2% of cases. HBV-DNA was detected in 1% of HBsAg negative patients.
Conclusions: This study showed a low rate of isolated anti-HBc and occult HBV infection in HD patients. It can be due to improvement of people’s knowledge about HBV transmission routes, HBV vaccination of HD patients and regular surveillance of HBV infection.
