Hepatitis C Viral İnfection Among Hemodialysis Patients and İts Effect on Interleukin-6

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time, poor outcomes, and substantial healthcare costs. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) and to determine if there is a link between HCV infection and interleukin-6 levels. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1st to September 20th , 2024. The study involved 200 patients with chronic renal disease undergoing hemodialysis, aged 20-75 years, who were admitted to Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qar. Additionally, 50 healthy control individuals aged 18-50 years, who visited the Main Blood Bank for blood donation and had no apparent disease, were included. Blood samples (5 ml) were collected via vein puncture from each participant for serological testing to detect HCV-specific antibodies, IL-6 levels using ELISA, and HCV viral load determination by PCR. Results: Our results indicated that 18% of HD patients were infected with HCV. Among the HD patients, 83.33% of those who tested positive for HCV antibodies by ELISA were confirmed to HCV-positive by PCR. None of the ELISA-negative HD patients or individuals in the control group tested positive by PCR. The highest rate of HCV infection (44.44%) among patients had a viral load between 9,000 and 11,000 IU/mL. The study also demonstrated that HD patients with HCV infection had the highest mean levels of IL-6 compared to HD patients without HCV infection.