Prevalence of hepatitis C virus among hemodialysis facilities: national screening study in Tunisia, 2021-2022
 
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1
National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases, 5-7 Rue Elkhartoum, Immeuble Diplomate, 13ème étage, Tunisia
 
2
National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases, Tunisia
 
3
National Observatory of New and Emerging Diseases, Full professor, 5-7 Rue Elkhartoum, Immeuble Diplomate, 13ème étage, Tunisia
 
 
Publication date: 2023-04-26
 
 
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A263
 
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective:
Hemodialysis Facilities (HF) are high-risk environments for the spread of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). This study aimed to detect HCV in hemodialysis patients as part of the National Plan for the Elimination of VHC in Tunisia.

Methods:
We conducted a national screening study in all HF from Mars 2021 to November 2022. Hemodialysis patients more than 18 years of age, were enrolled in this study. All samples were screened for HCV antibody by Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and HCV RNA by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results:
A total of 11653 patients (mean age 56,8 years) from 187 HF were enrolled among them 9985 patients completed HCV screening (86,3%). The overall prevalence of HCV antibody was 3,2% ranging from 0% to 27,9% : 0% in 56 centers , 0,1 to 5% in 88 centers and more than 5% in 36 centers. The prevalence was 3,5% among Female and 3% among male. The mean age of positive patient was 57,3 years. Only 28,1% of HCV antibody positive patients were positive for HCV RNA by PCR.

Conclusion:
Early detection of new HCV infection, the prevention of the infection transmission by the application of universal hygienic precautions program and the treatment of all screened patients are needed to achieve the objective of HCV elimination in Tunisia.

ISSN:2654-1459
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