Prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus in a dialysis unit.
Anti-HCV was tested in 77 uremic patients, 48 on hemodialysis (HD), 29 on CAPD, by immunoenzymatic 1st and 2nd generation assays (ELISA I, II) and 4-antigen (4-RIBA) immublotting. The investigation was extended to the staff (n = 29) and to HCV-positive patients' families (n = 30). The prevalence using 2nd generation tests was double (21%) that in 1st generation tests (11%). A greater incidence in the HD than in the CAPD group (23 vs. 17%) and a highly significative correlation to dialytic age were observed. No one among the sanitary personnel and only 2 family members were found HCV positive, suggesting a low infectivity via the parenteral inevident route. Extracorporeal circulation and particularly the exposure time to the treatment seem to be the main risk factors.
Cantù
P
P
Dialysis Service, S. Antonio Abate Hospital, Gallarate, Italy.
Mangano
S
S
Masini
M
M
Limido
A
A
Crovetti
G
G
DeFilippo
C
C
D005190:Family; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D010531:Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory / Q000009:adverse effects; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D014511:Uremia / Q000276:immunology
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies