PREVALENCE OF BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS AMONG CHRONIC KIDNEY PATIENTS ON HEMODIALYSIS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, NANDYAL, ANDHRAPRADESH- A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Chronic kidney disease has become one of the major health condition due to increased prevalence of Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension and other risk factors for which management option for these patients is Hemodialysis. Patients on Hemodialysis are at increased risk of viral infections because of higher number of blood transfusion sessions, cross contamination from the dialysis circuits, contaminated equipment. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeciency virus (HIV) and cytomegalovirus in patients undergoing Hemodialysis at Santhiram General Hospital, Nandyal. Materials and Methods: Across sectional study done from Feb 2024- July 2024, a total of 110 patients undergoing Hemodialysis were screened for HbsAg, HCV antibodies, HIV antibodies by using immunochromatographic test kits and conrmed by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies were screened by using ELISA. Results: Out of 110 dialysis patients a total of 74 (67.3%) male and 36 (32.7%) female were screened. The major primary diseases in Hemodialysis patients include Hypertension 48(43.6%), chronic glomerulonephritis 44 (40%), Diabetes Mellitus 14(12.8%) and acute kidney injury 4(3.6%). Among the patients who were screened 5(5.5%) were reactive to HCV, 2(2.2%) were Hepatitis B surface antigen reactive; All the patients were Non-reactive for HIV antibodies and negative for anti CMV IgM antiboides. Conclusion: Prevalence viral infections especially Hepatitis C is more in patients who were undergoing dialysis. Hence strict adherence to infection control practices, Hepatitis vaccination, viral screening during follow up were recommended. Continued Medical Education and training programs should be given to nursing staff and technicians working in dialysis unit.