Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses among haemodialysis patients in two newly opened centres in Cameroon

INTRODUCTION Haemodialysis (HD) patients are potentially susceptible to infection with blood borne viral agents especially; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C Viruses (HCV), compared to the general population. We described their epidemiology in two newly created haemodialysis units in Cameroon: the Buea and Bamenda haemodialysis centres. METHODS A cross sectional study: included were patients who had spent at least three months in haemodialysis. HBV, HCV and HIV serologies were determined and patients' characteristics extracted from patient's records. RESULTS We included 104 participants (44 in Buea and 60 in Bamenda). Mean age was 48 years and 65.4% were men. Median duration in dialysis was 14 months. One of the three viral markers was present in 40.1% of patients. The hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV and anti-HIV antibody prevalence were respectively 10.6%, 19.2%, 13.5%. A history of sexually transmitted infection was the only variable associated with anti-HIV antibody positivity. CONCLUSION The sero-prevalence of HBsAg, HCV and HIV are high in the two centres. HIV prevalence may have reflected its etiology as a cause of ESKD. HCV remains a cause for concern and needs further evaluation. There is urgent need for the implementation of preventive and control measures.