| Summary: | Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is common
among hemodialysis patients with End stage renal
disease (ESRD) and probably occurs through nosocomial
infection. Strict infection control measures should be
taken and implemented to prevent nosocomial infection.
Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and risk
factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among
patients at Dialysis Unit Dr. Sardjito General
Hospital, Yogyakarta.
Method: Total 137 patients who come to the hemodialysis
unit of Dr. Sardjito Hospital Yogyakarta has been
recruited using consecutive sampling method. Serum
samples were obtained, centrifuged and tested at
Pathology Anatomy Lab of Universitas Gadjah Mada,
Yogyakarta. Testing for anti-HCV antibodies was
performed at initiation of hemodialysis and every 3�6
months thereafter.
Results: Out of 137 patients, 112 were males and 25
were females. The age group varied from 19 to 76 years.
The overall anti-HCV antibody prevalence rate among
hemodialysis patient was 81,8%. In men the prevalence
rate of anti HCV antibody positive (77,8%) was higher
compared to negative anti-HCV antibody (22,2%) The
prevalence age among the age group 15-29 of positive
anti-HCV antibody was 80,0% compared to negative anti-
HCV antibody (20,0%). The prevalence of positive anti-
HCV antibody among the age group 30-44 years was 85,7%
compared to negative anti-HCV antibody (14,3%). It is
observed in the age group of 45-59, the prevalence rate
of anti-HCV antibody was higher (82,6%) compared to
anti-HCV negative (17,4%). Duration of hemodialysis was
significantly associated with seropositivity. The
duration of hemodialysis less than 1 year had a higher
prevalence of anti-HCV positive (67,6%) compared to
anti-HCV negative (32,4%). Duration of hemodialysis
between 1 year to 3 years had a higher prevalence of
anti-HCV positive (81,6) compared to anti-HCV negative
(18,4%). The hemodialysis longer than 3 years had a
higher prevalence of anti-HCV positive (94,0%) compared
to anti-HCV negative(6,0%).
Conclusion: Patients in the Dialysis Unit of Dr.
Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta have a high
prevalence of HCV infection. The factors associated
with HCV infection are highly suggestive of nosocomial
transmission within the hemodialysis units. Imperative
action is required to improve infection control
measures in hemodialysis centres.
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