| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2014 | Volume
: 7
| Issue : 5 | Page : 227-230 |
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Epidemiology of viral hepatitis among patients undergoing hemodialysis at nephrology center Benghazi
Vinay Rao1, Prasannalakshmi Rao2
1 Department of Family and Community Medicine, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya
2 Department of Pharmacology, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Vinay Rao
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi University, Benghazi
Libya
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1755-6783.154826
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Introduction: During hemodialysis, patients are at-risk of acquiring blood-borne viruses and pathogenic bacteria. Within dialysis units, prevention of infection is of paramount importance. The nursing staff must take adequate precaution to prevent the spread of infection within this high-risk environment. Patients and Methods: All patients undergoing hemodialysis for the period of 7 days were interviewed once during dialysis, using a closed-ended questionnaire. Patients' files were checked for seropositivity. Results: The prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was 34% (male 39% and female 21.4%). The prevalence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) was 7% in male and 3 % in female. A small number had a double infection. Conclusion: In this study of 186 patients on dialysis, 34% were infected with HCV and 5% with HBV. The most important risk factors were multiple blood transfusions and the duration of dialysis. |
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