Surveillance and impact of occult hepatitis B virus, SEN virus, and torque teno virus in Egyptian hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. (March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amer, Fatma; Yousif, Monkez M.; Mohtady, Heba; Khattab, Rania A.; Karagoz, Ergenekon; Ayaz, Khan F.M.; Hammad, Noha M.
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 92(2020)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2020-03
• Subjects: Hepatitis C virus -- Hemodialysis -- Occult hepatitis B infection -- SEN virus -- Torque teno virus; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.12.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Hemodialysis procedures pose the risk of transmitting viral hepatitis infections. A high prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus exists in chronic hepatitis C virus-infected hemodialysis patients. No evident clinical impact accompanies either SEN virus or torque teno virus viremia. Abstract: Objectives: Egypt ranks first regarding the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Many patients have concomitant diseases like kidney disorders requiring hemodialysis, a procedure carrying the hazard of transmitting other hepatitis viruses. The purpose of this study was to investigate for occult hepatitis B virus (HBV), SEN virus (SENV), and torque teno virus (TTV) among chronic HCV patients on maintenance hemodialysis to identify their impacts. Methods: A total of 325 hemodialysis patients were enrolled and divided into two groups based on HCV RNA testing results. Blood samples were collected before hemodialysis. Sera were tested for hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) using ELISA. HBV, SENV, and TTV DNA were detected by PCR. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was measured. Results: Anti-HBc and HBV DNA were detected in 73.1% and 50.8% of group 1 versus 36.4% and 22.6% of group 2. The serum ALT level was higher in group 1 than group 2. SENV was detected in 11.5% of group 1 versus 8.2% of group 2. TTV was detected in 29% of group 1 versus 27% of group 2. Conclusions: There is an increased prevalence of occult HBV in our locality among chronic HCV patients undergoing hemodialysis. The existence of SENV and TTV viremia has no clinical impact.