Seroprevalences and factors associated with HBV, HCV and HIV infections in haemodialysis patients in rural areas of Gabon

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in rural haemodialysis patients at the Franceville haemodialysis centre in Gabon. Design: Retrospective, descriptive and analytical study using exhaustive sampling. Setting: Study conducted in a rural setting at the Franceville haemodialysis centre. Participants: One hundred nineteen records of haemodialysis patients in whom HBV, HCV and HIV serologies were performed. Four incomplete files were excluded. Main Outcome Measures: Viral infection, frequency of socioclinical characteristics, and univariate analysis. Results: One hundred and fifteen haemodialysis patients were included, 70 men and 45 women. The mean age was 46.64±18.74 years. The seroprevalence of infection was 1.74%, 4.35% and 12.17% for HBV, HCV and HIV, respectively. HBV infection was associated with previous dialysis (p=0.000; OR: 36.667; 95% CI [1.825-736.304]), duration of dialysis (p=0.019; OR: 0.055; 95% CI [0.003-11.324]), elevated transaminases (p=0.000; OR:112; 95% CI [3.738-3355.535]), and initial nephropathy (p=0.0157; OR:15.149; 95% CI [0.853-268.535]). HCV infection was associated with elevated transaminases (p=0.001; OR: 27.25; 95% CI [1.432-518.553]) and incident kidney disease (p=0.039; OR: 8.916; 95% CI [0.751-105.791]). HIV infection was associated with incident kidney disease (p=0.000; OR:6.852; 95% CI [1.982-23.689]). Conclusion: A low seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and a moderate seroprevalence of HIV infection has been reported in haemodialysis patients. Certain factors are associated with these infections. Systematic vaccination against HBV, responsible sexual behaviour and current and future strict hygiene measures will help to reduce viral infections in dialysis. Funding: None declared.