title: Seroprevalence of hepatitis C and risk factors in haemodialysis patients in Guilan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
abstract: We assessed the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and associated risk factors for all 298 haemodialysis patients in 7 dialysis units in Guilan province. Serum samples were screened for anti-HCV antibodies using a second generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Positive samples were confirmed by immunoblot assay. Overall prevalence was 24.8% (range: 9%-40%; 95% CI: 19.9-29.7): 80 patie.nts tested positive and 74 were confirmed positive by immunoblot assay. Length of time on dialysis and history of rejected kidney transplant were statistically significantly associated with HCV infection. Age, sex and previous blood transfusion were not associated. Nosocomial transmission may play a role in the spread of HCV in haemodialysis units. A separate dialysis system should be used for seropositive HCV patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Guilan, Islamic Republic of Iran. mohtashamaz@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Z M
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Amiri
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Shakib
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Toorchi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000635:transmission; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000453:epidemiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000635:transmission; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D017053:Infection Control; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies