Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C Virus and Co-Infection in Hemodialysis Patients at a Tertiary Care Institute of North West Region of Rajasthan, India

Abstract Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at increased risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections due to frequent exposure to blood products and invasive procedures. Aim and Objective: To estimate the prevalence and study the risk factors of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C viruses and their co-infection in hemodialysis patients Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to March 2025 on 300 HD patients. Sera were tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies using fourth-generation ELISA kits. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed to identify associations. Results: Of 300 patients, HBV positivity was 3.33%, HCV positivity was 11.67%, and co-infection occurred in 0.67%. Longer duration of dialysis (>3 years) was associated with a higher prevalence of HCV (7%) and co-infection. Conclusion: Routine screening, vaccination, and strict infection control in HD units are essential to minimize HBV and HCV transmission.