title: Prevalence of hepatitis C infection in a hemodialysis unit.
abstract: To define the prevalence of NANB hepatitis, anti-HCV antibodies were determined in 51 patients on renal replacement therapy, in 7 transplanted patients and 17 staff members of the hemodialysis unit. Anti-HCV antibodies were evaluated using immunoenzymatic methods (Ortho HCV ELISA Test System, 1st and 2nd generation). Among hemodialysis patients, seroconversion was respectively documented in 17.6% (9/51) and 52.9% (27/51); none of the transplanted patients were positive with the 1st generation test, while 3/7 were positive with the 2nd. No statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence antibodies between transfused and nontransfused patients. ALT levels were statistically greater in patients with anti-HCV antibodies (X2 2nd generation = 8.83; p less than 0.01). Our results suggest: (1) that hemodialysis represents a risk factor; (2) the validity of substitute markers and (3) more sensitivity of the 2nd than 1st generation test.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedale S. Andrea, Vercelli, Italia.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Filiberti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Porcu
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Costantini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mangione
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Monzeglio
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Peona
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D000410:Alanine Transaminase