title: Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B and C viruses among hemodialysis patients in Isfahan, Iran.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and their associated risk factors among hemodialysis patients in Isfahan, Iran in 2011.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, a total of 499 chronic hemodialysis patients from eight governmental hemodialysis centers were tested. Demographic information, time duration on hemodialysis, history of blood transfusion, and the number of transfused blood units as risk factors to HBV and HCV infections were calculated. The status of HBsAg and anti-HCV was assessed by serological testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall prevalence of HBV-positive and HCV-positive among study population was 1.2% and 5.2%, respectively. Age, sex, and time duration on hemodialysis were not statistically significant in HBV- and HCV-patients compared with other hemodialysis patients (P > 0.05). History of blood transfusion and the number of transfused blood units in HBV infected patients were similar to other patients (P > 0.05). The main risk factors in hemodialysis patients infected by HCV were history of blood transfusion and the number of transfused blood units (P < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in hemodialysis centers in Isfahan is lower than in some other cities of Iran. History of blood transfusion and the number of blood units transfused might be a risk factor for HCV gaining. However, further studies are needed to assess the role of other demographic and clinical risk factors in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Isfahan Liver Disease Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Hamid
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kalantari
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Shahram
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ebadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Majid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yaran
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Maracy
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Shahshahan
keywords: Hemodialysis; hepatitis B virus; hepatitis C virus