Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus among hemodialysis patients in Bushehr province, southern Iran

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still reported from adult hemodialysis units. OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of anti-HBs antibody in hemodialysis patients and the correlation between levels of anti-HBs antibody with other factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibodies level in 119 hemodialysis patients were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Seroconversion (anti-HBs antibody >10 IU/L) was found in 22 patients. Minimum protective antibody level was found in patients aged ≥60 years. Statistically significant correlation was not found between anti-HBs antibody and gender. Ten (8.4%) patients had abnormal ALT and/or AST. Prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBc antibody, HBeAg and anti-HBe antibody were found in 8 (6.72%), 24 (25.16%), 2 (1.68%) and 3 (2.52%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Periodic assessment of anti-HBs antibody level is strongly recommended in patients undergoing hemodialysis.