Effect of Isolation Procedures and Infection Control Measures in HCV Seroconversion in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Viral Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is a worldwide major clinical concern. HCV is fairly common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients including those on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). This urged implementation of specific and stricter infection prevention and control measures in addition to the usual standard precautions. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of infection control measures and isolation procedures in HCV seroconversion in HD patients. To achieve this target, the study recruited 80 HD patients who were randomly and equally divided into two groups: according to pattern of isolation: group 1: included 40 patients with equipment isolation only and group 2: included 40 patients with equipment and personnel isolation. Both groups were matched regarding patients’ age, gender distribution and hemodialysis duration. Patients included in the current study comprised 39 males (48.8%) and 41 females (51.3%). In the present study, hypertension was