Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Chronic Renal Failure Predialysis Patients in Hodiedah, Yemen: Retrospective Study

Background: Hepatitis viruses cause problems at almost all the stages of chronic renal failure (CRF). Most of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients live in developing countries with infections rate varying from country to country.

Objective: This study aimed to find prevalence of HBV in renal failure pre- dialysis patients in renal dialysis center of Hodiedah city, Yemen.

Methods: Demographic data of 278 patients was collected retrospectively for four years and eight months from January 2011 to September 2015. All patients were examined for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using one-step cassette device. Positive samples were confirmed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic data of patients was recorded namely sex, age, education, accommodation and working.

Results: Out of 278 patients, 10 cases (3.60%) were found having HBV infection. Out of 10 positive patients, 7 cases (4.14%) were males and 3 cases (2.75%) were female. Prevalence of HBV was found in the 41- 60 age group (4.39 %) followed by 21-40 age group (3.85%). HBV was detected in 6 cases (4.72%) of 127 urban residence patients and in 4 cases (2.65%) of 151 rural residence patients. Prevalence of HBV was showed similar among educated and non-educated subjects (5 cases for each). There was a main distribution of positive cases in non-working population (10/252=3.97%) as compared to working population (0/26=0.00%).

Conclusion: HBV was detected in few CRF predialytic patients namely 3.60%. Screening of HBV in CRF predialytic patients is an effective strategy taken to ensure containment of hospital acquired infection (HAI) by isolation of patients in certain machines.