Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus in haemodialysis patients

Hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections continue to remain a significant global health challenge due to its morbidity and mortality profile. Almost 600,000 annual deaths are associated with the hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus. Patients on haemodialysis are at increased chance of acquiring infections. Infection among haemodialysis patients can lengthen the hospital stay and contribute to further complications. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection is common among the haemodialysis patients. Cross-contamination to patients through environmental surfaces, supplies, equipment, multiple-dose drug bottles, and staff members are among the modes and causes of transmission of hepatis B and C virus infections in haemodialysis facilities. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus in haemodialysis patients. Global prevalence for hepatitis C virus among haemodialysis units reported in studies ranged from 2.6% to 22.9% and 13.5% on average while for hepatitis B virus the prevalence is less than 10% while some studies report the prevalence ranging from 2-20%. Literature has variable prevalence for hepatitis B and C virus across the different geographical regions. The variation in prevalence is observed due to numerous risk factors contributing to the significant burden of the disease. Epidemiological data in recent times is lacking in literature and conduction of population-based surveys can be beneficial in generalizing the prevalence especially in gulf countries where limited studies are available.