Prevalence Of Viral Infections In Hemodialysis Patients In A Tertiary Care Hospital Of Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Hemodialysis patients are more vulnerable to infections, which are the leading cause of hospitalization and death after cardiovascular events. The primary aim of the study was to screen for the presence of viral infections in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Materials And Methods: Serum samples were collected from 150 end-stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis, as well as a control group of 150 healthy people with no predisposing factors. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for screening of viral infections in patients for Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and Human Immunodeficiency virus. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done for confirmation of CMV which was the predominant viral pathogen isolated. The chi-square test and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software 2.0 were used in the statistical study, with p-values less than 0.05 considered as statistically significant.

Results: Out of 150 patients included in the study, 22% patients belonged to the age group of 61-70 and 41-50 years. Male (64%) preponderance was observed among the patients. Most common viral infection was by CMV. Seropositivity of CMV-IgM and CMV-IgG by ELISA were 5.3% and 58% respectively. PCR detected viral DNA 6.6%.

Conclusion: CMV infection was common among HD patients in our region; therefore we recommend screening for anti-CMV IgG and IgM antibodies.