HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION PROFILE IN DIFFERENT HEMODIALYSIS UNITS IN RECIFE, PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL

Patients under hemodialysis are considered a high risk to acquire hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The aim of this study was to determine  the serological and molecular profile and risk factors for HBV among hemodialysis patients in five clinics in Recife, Pernambuco, between August 2006 and August 2007. The study population (n = 781) was interviewed after signing a free and informed consent statement and the blood collected through the patient’s fistula prior to hemodialysis.  Serum samples underwent ELISA to investigate total anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HBs. The samples that were HBsAg-positive were subjected to the PCR to investigate viral DNA. The DNA-positive samples were sequenced to identify the genotype. The information was stored and analyzed in Epi-Info 6.0. The seroprevalences of total anti-HBc, HBsAg and anti-HBs were 29.4% (229/781), 3.3% (26/781) and 66.2% (135/203), respectively. Among the 26 HBsAg-positive samples, 14 were positive for HBV DNA; genotypes A and F were found. The variables of sex, age, length of time on dialysis and number of transfusions showed statistically significant association with HBV, thus corroborating other Brazilian studies. Even with the implementation of HBV infection control measures and vaccinations, dialysis units still present widespread virus circulation. All units need to rigidly follow the universal precautions, so that the virus circulation in these places can increasingly be minimized. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17525/vrrjournal.v14i1.25