Occult hepatitis b virus infection among hemodialysis patients in fakous general hospital

Abstract

Background: Occult HBV infection (OBI) is defined as the presence of a small amount of HBV in patients with negative serum for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag). The serum HBV DNA level in these patients is generally lower than 104 copies/mL, there is a high prevalence of OBI in patients with chronic hepatitis C, HCC cryptogenic liver disease, and HIV. Objectives: Assessment of prevalence of Occult Hepatitis B Virus infection among hemodialysis patients in Fakous General Hospital. Patients and Methods: A total of 40 patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing regular HD (for at least 6 months underwent a complete physical examination. Serum samples were collected between before hemodialysis and then stored at-80C° until tested. Serological markers of HBV infection (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc) were determined using standard third generation commercially available enzyme immunoassays). Results: The 40 patients who have been included in this study had a minimum age of 25 years and a maximum age of 78 years. The number of females was 25 with a percentage of 62.5% and the percentage of males was about 37.5% (15 males). 22 patients (55%) had negative sera for anti-HCV antibody and a percentage of 37% and 63% for the distribution of females and males, respectively. 18 patients (45%) had positive sera for anti-HCV antibody and 37% of them were females and 63% of them were males. Conclusions: OBI infection is a relatively common infection (37.5%) among chronic hemodialysis patients in the dialysis unit of Fakous general hospital.