title: High prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis units using a second generation assay.
abstract: We studied the prevalence and significance of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients and staff from 3 dialysis units, using a 2nd generation assay (2nd g.a.; Ortho HCV). Of 277 patients, 151 (55%) were positive by 2nd and 85 (31%) by 1st g.a. Significant associations with the anti-HCV carrier status were: blood transfusions, retrospective finding of elevated ALT and duration of dialysis treatment, independently of transfusions. Of the 74 staff members, 5 were positive by 2nd and 3 by 1st g.a. Our data suggest that the 2nd g.a. is more sensitive in detecting HCV exposure in dialysis units and that duration of dialysis is a significant factor in acquiring HCV infection.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Clinica delle Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: M U
authors.initials: MU
authors.lastname: Mondelli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cristina
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Piazza
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cerino
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Villa
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salvadeo
mesh_terms: D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies