Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCV genotypes of hemodialysis patients in Salvador, Northeastern Brazil

The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate the prevalence and the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in hemodialysis patients in two different centers in São Paulo (Brazil), (ii) determine the time required to detect HCV infection among these patients by serology or PCR, (iii) establish the importance of alanine aminotransferase determination as a marker of HCV infection, and (iv) identify the HCV genotypes in this population. Serum samples were collected monthly for 1 year from 281 patients admitted to hospital for hemodialysis. Out of 281 patients, 41 patients (14.6%) were HCV positive; six patients seroconverted during this study (incidence = 3.1/1000 person-month). In 1.8% (5/281) of cases, RNA was detected before the appearance of antibodies (up to 5 months), and in 1.1% (3/281) of cases, RNA was the unique marker of HCV infection. The genotypes found were 1a, 1b, 3a, and 4a. The presence of genotype 4a is noteworthy, since it is a rare genotype in Brazil. These data pointed out the high prevalence and incidence of HCV infection at hemodialysis centers in Brazil and showed that routine PCR is fundamental for improving the detection of HCV carriers among patients undergoing hemodialysis.Key words: HCV genotypes, hemodialysis, hepatitis C, PCR, prevalence, incidence.

Download Full-text

Characterization of Occult Hepatitis C Virus (Hcv) Infection among Hemodialysis Patient

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia ◽

10.31436/imjm.v16i1.1138 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Siti Nurul Fazlin Abdul Rahman ◽

Hairul Aini binti Hamzah ◽

Mohammed Imad Mustafa ◽

Mohamed Hadzri Hasmoni

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Viral Rna ◽

Cell Counting ◽

Hcv Rna ◽

Viral Rnas ◽

Occult Hepatitis ◽

Occult Hepatitis C

Introduction: The existence of new entity called occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become a raising and escalating concern among healthcare professionals worldwide. It is defined by the presence of viral RNA in liver and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) within non HCV-infected patients. Previous study had shown the occult HCV is infectious and capable of transmitting the virus to another host. Till today, HCV infection remains common among hemodialysis patients despite having the best preventive plans. Because of this, there is a significant concern about the source of viral transmission. The aim of the study was to identify and characterize occult HCV infection in PBMC sample of hemodialysis patients. This was an observational and cross sectional study. Materials and method: PBMCs were isolated from the whole blood using Ficoll-gradient centrifugation technique. The PBMCs were then subjected for cell counting and stored in -70O C until further used. HCV RNA were extracted from these cells and viral RNA were subjected for molecular assays, immune cells analysis and cells culture. Results: PBMCs were isolated from eleven (11) study patients and five (5) anti-HCV positive (control) patients. By using automated flow cytometry, PBMCs of each sample were counted and the average number of cells obtained range from 2x104 to 5x106 cells/ ml. Viral RNAs were extracted and quantitatively measured by using NanoDrop Spectrophotometers. The viral RNAs concentration obtained were between 24.7 and 258.9 ng/ml. The RNAs would be subjected for purification (ethanol precipitation) and further assays. Conclusion: The final findings might contribute to the clinical management of dialysis patients.

Download Full-text

Patient-Care Practices Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/659407 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 32 (5) ◽

pp. 415-424 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Gayle Shimokura ◽

Feng Chai ◽

David J. Weber ◽

Gregory P. Samsa ◽

Guo-liang Xia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Patient Care ◽

The United States ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Chronic Hemodialysis ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Hcv Rna ◽

Infection Prevalence ◽

Care Practices

Objective.To identify patient-care practices related to an increased prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among chronic hemodialysis patients.Design.Survey.Setting.Chronic hemodialysis facilities in the United States.Participants.Equal-probability 2-stage cluster sampling was used to select 87 facilities from all Medicare-approved providers treating 30–150 patients; 53 facilities and 2,933 of 3,680 eligible patients agreed to participate.Methods.Patients were tested for HCV antibody and HCV RNA. Data on patient-care practices were collected using direct observation.Results.The overall prevalence of HCV infection was 9.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.2%–11.6%); only 2 of 294 HCV-positive patients were detected solely by HCV RNA testing. After adjusting for non-dialysis-related HCV risk factors, patient-care practices independently associated with a higher prevalence of HCV infection included reusing priming receptacles without disinfection (odds ratio [OR], 2.3 [95% CI, 1.4–3.9]), handling blood specimens adjacent to medications and clean supplies (OR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.3–3.6]), and using mobile carts to deliver injectable medications (OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.0–2.8]). Independently related facility covariates were at least 10% patient HCV infection prevalence (OR, 3.0 [95% CI, 1.8–5.2]), patient-to-staff ratio of at least 7: 1 (OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.4–4.1]), and treatment duration of at least 2 years (OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.3–4.4]).Conclusions.This study provides the first epidemiologic evidence of associations between specific patient-care practices and higher HCV infection prevalence among hemodialysis patients. Staff should review practices to ensure that hemodialysis-specific infection control practices are being implemented, especially handling clean and contaminated items in separate areas, reusing items only if disinfected, and prohibiting mobile medication and clean supply carts within treatment areas.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of an Isolation Program of Hepatitis C Virus Infected Hemodialysis Patients in Some Hemodialysis Centers in Egypt

ISRN Nephrology ◽

10.5402/2013/395467 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Amin R. Soliman ◽

Mohamed Momtaz Abd Elaziz ◽

Mona I. El lawindi

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

The Other ◽

Nosocomial Transmission ◽

Universal Prevention ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Regular Hemodialysis

Introduction. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Several studies demonstrated nosocomial transmission of HCV among HD patients. Aim. We aimed to evaluate the isolation program of HCV seropositive patients among a group of Egyptian haemodialysis patients to decrease the incidence of HCV seroconversion. Methods. One hundred and fourteen HCV seronegative patients who were receiving regular haemodialysis in different four haemodialysis units in Egypt. The first group included forty six patients on regular hemodialysis in two centers following strict isolation of the HCV seropositive patients, and the second group included sixty eight patients on regular hemodialysis in the other two centers not following this strict isolation. All these patients were followed up over a period of 36 months. Results. There was a significantly higher incidence of HCV seroconversion of patients on hemodialysis in units not following strict isolation of HCV seropositive patients (42.9%) than those on regular hemodialysis in units following strict isolation (14.8%). Conclusions. In HD units with a high prevalence of HCV+ patients, strict isolation of HCV+ patients in combination with implementation of universal prevention measures can limit the spread of HCV infection in HD patients.

Download Full-text

The Efficacy and Safety of Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir Fixed-Dose Combination in Iranian Hemodialysis Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Nephro-Urology Monthly ◽

10.5812/numonthly.114049 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol In Press (In Press) ◽

Author(s):

Kasra Ghanaat ◽

Heidar Sharafi ◽

Seyed Moayed Alavian

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Renal Impairment ◽

Severe Renal Impairment ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Virologic Response ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Fixed Dose ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Patient Reported

Background: Although several regimens have been approved for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, sofosbuvir-based regimens are not approved for the treatment of HCV infection in patients with severe renal impairment. Methods: This study was conducted on 51 hemodialysis patients infected with HCV. The patients received a constant dose of sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV). Sustained virologic response (SVR) was evaluated 12 weeks after completion of treatment. The subjects were selected and treated with a combination of SOF/DCV. Eleven patients expired during the anti-HCV treatment due to causes not related to liver disease or antiviral therapy. Results: Finally, 40 patients finished the treatment, and 36 cases were evaluated for SVR. Among those tested for SVR, 35 (97.2%, 95% CI: 85.5 - 99.9%) achieved SVR and one (2.8%, 95% CI: 0.1 - 14.5%) relapsed. No patient reported severe adverse events. Conclusions: The combination of SOF/DCV showed great efficacy and safety in hemodialysis patients with severe renal impairment and chronic HCV infection.

Download Full-text

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Is there a correlation between HCV genotypes and the level of viremia?

Medicinski pregled ◽

10.2298/mpns0606230d ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 59 (5-6) ◽

pp. 230-234 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Dragan Delic ◽

Zorica Nesic ◽

Jasmina Simonovic ◽

Neda Svirtlih ◽

Ljubisa Dokic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Objective Assessment ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Hcv Rna ◽

Genotype 4 ◽

Hcv Genotypes ◽

Genotype 2 ◽

Chronic Hcv Infection ◽

Chronic Hcv

Introduction. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA status and HCV genotypes have become extremely important for exact diagnosis, prognosis, duration of treatment and monitoring of antiviral therapy of chronic HCV infection. Material and methods. For the purpose of precise and objective assessment of virologic analyses, such as the determination of the number of virus copies and virus genotypes, 110 patients with chronic HCV infection were tested. Genotyping of HCV isolates and HCV RNA quantification were performed by using the PCR method. Genotype lb infection was verified in 49.1% of patients, genotype 3a infection was found in 28.2%, genotype 4 in 9.1%, genotype 2 in 4.5%, while mixed genotype infections were diagnosed in 9.1% of cases. Results. Patients infected by genotype lb had significantly higher serum HCV RNA level in relation to patients infected by other genotypes (p<0.05). Over 70% of patients infected by genotype lb had more than 2xl06 virus copies in 1 ml of blood, while in genotypes 2, 3a and 4, the percentage was 40%, 38.5% and 30%, respectively. Male patients had approximately 7.7x10.6 virus copies in 1 ml of blood, which was significantly higher in comparison with female patients (2.3xl06 copies/ml; p<0.05). Conclusion. Our results are in concordance with the results of other authors reporting that genotype lb is predominant in Europe, as well as significantly higher incidence of viremia in patients with genotype lb infection in relation to other HCV genotypes. Based on these results, we can conclude that our patients, most commonly, present with severe clinical course of chronic HCV infection and require longer treatment (48 weeks), which causes economic problems. .

Download Full-text

Clinical, Biochemical and Virological Profile of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection - A Study from University Hospital in Nepal

Journal of Nobel Medical College ◽

10.3126/jonmc.v4i1.13301 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 32-35

Author(s):

Dipesh Gurubacharya ◽

Mohan Khadka ◽

Khadga B Shreshta ◽

Prem Khadga ◽

Sashi Sharma

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Viral Load ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Drug Use ◽

Injection Drug Use ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Genotype 3 ◽

Hcv Genotypes ◽

Chronic Hcv Infection ◽

Chronic Hcv

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health challenge. It is a major cause for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Both the genotype and viral load of HCV determine the choice of therapy as well as outcome of therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical, biochemical and virological profile and association of HCV genotypes with viral load and liver biochemical profile.Material and Methods: This was descriptive observational study of chronic HCV infected patients who attended at the outpatient clinic of Department of Gastroenterology of TUTH, IOM from April 2013 to November 2014. During this study period 38 patients with chronic HCV infection were analyzed. Clinical profile, possible risk factors for transmission of HCV infection and liver biochemical profile were recorded. Virological profile included HCV viral load and HCV genotypes.Results: Out of 38 patients 34(89.5%) were male and 4(10.5%) were female. Injection drug use (IDU) was the most common mode for acquisition of HCV infection (55.3%). Genotype 3 was found in 21(55.26%) patients and genotype 1 was found in 17(44.74%) patients. There was no significant association between HCV genotypes and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level. And also there was no significant association between HCV viral load and different HCV genotypes.Conclusions: In our study HCV genotype 3 was the most prevalent genotype in patients with chronic HCV infection. Injection drug use was identified as most common identifiable risk factor for transmission of HCV infection. There was no significant association between different HCV genotypes and serum ALT, AST level and HCV viral load. Journal of Nobel College of Medicine Vol.4(1) 2015: 32-35

Download Full-text

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in 373 Italian children with HCV infection: changing distribution and correlation with clinical features and outcome

Gut ◽

10.1136/gut.2004.053744 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 54 (6) ◽

pp. 852-857 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

F Bortolotti

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Clinical Features ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Hcv Genotypes ◽

Italian Children

Download Full-text

Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Between Hemodialysis Patients Sharing the Same Machine

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/502448 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 25 (7) ◽

pp. 609-611 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Catherine Sartor ◽

Philippe Brunet ◽

Sophie Simon ◽

Catherine Tamalet ◽

Yvon Berland ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Monitoring System ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Venous Pressure ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Pressure Monitoring ◽

Hcv Transmission

AbstractAfter a patient acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in our unit, we performed epidemiologic and virologic investigations, including genotyping and phylogenetic analyses. The results provided evidence for HCV transmission between two patients sharing the same machine and suggested possible transmission via accidental contamination of the venous pressure monitoring system.

Download Full-text