Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus among hemodialysis patients in Bushehr province, southern Iran

Background: hepatitis b virus (hbv) infection is still reported from adult hemodialysis units.objectives: to determine the prevalence of anti-hbs antibody in hemodialysis patients and the correlation between levels of anti-hbs antibody with other factors. patients and methods: hbsag, anti-hbs and anti-hbc antibodies level in 119 hemodialysis patients were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. results: seroconversion (anti-hbs antibody >10 iu/l) was found in 22 patients. minimum protective antibody level was found in patients aged ≥60 years. statistically significant correlation was not found between anti-hbs antibody and gender. ten (8.4%) patients had abnormal alt and/or ast. prevalence of hbsag, anti-hbc antibody, hbeag and anti-hbe antibody were found in 8 (6.72%), 24 (25.16%), 2 (1.68%) and 3 (2.52%) patients, respectively. conclusions: periodic assessment of anti-hbs antibody level is strongly recommended in patients undergoing hemodialysis.