[Viral hepatitis C in chronic hemodialyzed patients in southern Tunisia. Prevalence and risk factors].

To define, the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) a prospective and multicentre study was performed in 235 patients undergoing haemodialysis, the anti-HCV antibodies were evaluated using an immuno-enzymatic method (wellcozyme anti-HCV). The following parameters were obtained for all patients: time on haemodialysis, blood transfusion, liver enzymes (ALT, AST), others virus markers: HBV (HBs Ag, HBs Ab, HBc Ab) and HIV. Anti-HCV was positive in 86 patients (42%). There was a significant (p < 0.05) relationship between presence of anti-HCV antibodies and duration of haemodialysis (33 +/- 24 vs 20 +/- 19 months). No statistically significant difference was found with blood transfusion and the others parameters. In conclusion, the prevalence of HCV in our center of dialysis was high. The duration of dialysis seems to be the main risk factor.