Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infection among patients undergoing haemodialysis in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Introduction. Blood-borne infections are a major cause of harm in individuals on haemodialysis (HD). In particular, knowledge about hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status HD patients is concern, since these may comorbidities this setting. There paucity data regarding issue Argentina. Hypothesis/Gap Statement. The epidemiological surveillance HBV, HCV, HIV fundamental tool for planning implementing health strategies order to prevent control viral transmission agents. Aim. To determine the seroprevalence HCV Buenos Aires, Methodology. Seven hundred forty-eight were included retrospective cross-sectional study. Serological assays performed status. HBV HBsAg anti-HBc IgG analysed using AxSYM (samples before 2010) or Architect Abbott system 2010), anti-HCV testing was enzyme immunoassay V3.0 ARCHITECT anti-HCV, while tested 1/2 gO Ag/Ab Combination. genotyping carried out by phylogenetic analysis NS5B partial gene. Results. Infection with one viruses detected 31.1 % [HBV 82 (11.0 %), 179 (23.9 %) 6 (0.8 %)]. Thirty-two (4.3 had 2 markers [27 (3.6 HCV/HBV, 4 (0.5 HCV/HIV 1 (0.13 HBV/HIV]. Finally, single patient presented all three markers. Time dialysis correlated but not infection. subtype distribution inverted respect that observed general population (HCV-1a 73.2 HCV-1b 26.8 vs HCV-1a 26.5 73.5 population, P <0.001). Conclusion. Despite implementation universal precautionary biosafety standards dialysis, infection continues occur at very high rates patients. results emphasize need carry proactive tasks early diagnosis treatment infected vaccinate those non-protective antiHBs antibodies reduce morbidity mortality