Four hundred and twenty one sera samples collected during 1995 to 1997 from subjects at high-risk for HBV infections were tested for the presence of HBV markers. The subjects included kidney transplants(n=109), hemodialyzed patients (n=76), non-vaccinated healthcare workers (n=52) and blood transfusion dependent patients (n=80). Blood transfusion dependent patients include 60 thalassemic, 6 hemophilic and14 sickle cell anemia patients. HBsAg prevalence rates of 29.4%, 17%, 22.5% and 9.6% were observed among kidney transplant, hemodialysis, blood transfusion dependent patients, and non-vaccinated healthcare workers, respectively. HBeAg prevalence rates among HBsAg positive subjects of the previous groups were 43.8%, 76.9%, 38.9% and0.0%, respectively. Our study indicates that 76.9% of HBsAg positive hemodialysis patients and 43.8% of HBsAg positive kidney transplant patients are highly contagious and constitute a high risk factor for the spreading of this infection. The prevalence rates of anti-HBc, previous infection rates of 56.9%, 50.0%, 37.9% and 17.3% were observed among kidney transplant, hemodialysis, blood dependent patients, and non-vaccinated healthcare workers, respectively. These results show that HBsAg in these high risk groups is high and vaccination against HBV of these groups is recommended.

Title

Medical Journal of Islamic World Academy of Sciences 15:4, 157-160, 2005

Publisher

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Publisher Country

Palestine

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

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Year

2005

Pages

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