Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Occult Hepatitis B Virus (OBI) in Hemodialysis Patients: An Epidemiological Observational Study in Kerman, Iran (۲۰۲۲-۲۰۲۳)

Background: Viral infections are associated with augmented morbidity and mortality risk in Hemodialysis (HD) patients. Objectives: In this investigation, we have scrutinized the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI), in HD patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the blood samples and data from ۲۰۰ hemodialysis patients referred to dialysis center in Kerman, from January ۲۰۲۲ to March ۲۰۲۳ were collected. Anti-HBV antibodies and HBs Ag were analyzed in the specimens using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All samples were tested for OBI by using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Results: Of the ۲۰۰ patients considered, ۴ (۲%) for HBs Ag were positive. Real-time PCR demonstrated OBI in ۲ (۱%) patient. The majority presence of viral infection was in the age group ۵۰≥ years, self-employment, low education level, and diabetic patients. Furthermore, our study revealed that a higher percentage of HD patients were associated with low educational levels, self-employment, urban residence, and comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. Conclusion: In this study, HBV antigen prevalence was ۲%, and OBI prevalence was ۱%, indicating a low HBV incidence in HD patients. Our study underscores the importance of lifestyle improvement, increased awareness among lower-educated and lower-skilled individuals, and rigorous disinfection practices in managing risk factors for hemodialysis patients, including HBV and OBI.

کلیدواژه ها:

Hemodialysis ، Hepatitis B virus ، Risk factors ، Iran ، همودیالیز ، ویروس هپاتیت B ، عوامل خطر ، ایران