A study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among hemodialysis (HD) patients and identify associated risk factors. Conducted across five HD centers in Damascus, Syria, from August 2019 to September 2021, the multicenter cross-sectional study involved 637 patients who had been on HD for at least three months. HBsAg, HCV-Ab, and HIV seropositivity were detected using third-generation ELISA techniques. Patient data were collected through records and face-to-face interviews. Multiple logistic regression models identified risk factors for HBV and HCV seropositivity, with a significance level set at 5%.

Results showed that 3.2% of patients were HBsAg positive, 22.1% were anti-HCV positive, 0.7% had HBV and HCV co-infection, and none were HIV positive. Hepatitis B vaccination was a significant protective factor against HBV infection (OR: 0.15), while longer dialytic age (OR: 1.42) and the specific dialysis center were significant factors for HCV prevalence. The study concluded that although the prevalence of HBV and HCV among patients with HD in Damascus has decreased since 2001, it remains relatively high. There is an urgent need to strengthen prevention and control measures for viral infections in HD centers in Damascus.

Reference: Altinawe J, Akkawi ME, Kharrat Helu N, et al. Seroprevalence and risk factors of HBV, HCV and HIV among hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study from Damascus Syria. BMC Infect Dis. 2024 Mar 6;24(1):289. doi: 10.1186/s12879-024-09177-4. PMID: 38448805; PMCID: PMC10916258.