Seroprevalence and Demographic Distribution of Blood-Borne Viral Infections among Hemodialysis Patients in Sudan: A Multicenter Study from Conflict-Affected Khartoum State

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Blood-borne viral infections pose considerable health challenges to patients undergoing hemodialysis. This multicenter study evaluated the prevalence and demographic distribution of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infections among hemodialysis patients. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 940 hemodialysis patients from fifteen facilities in Khartoum State, Sudan from July 2025 to November 2025. The outcomes of the serological tests for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) antibodies, and anti-HIV antibodies, conducted via standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, were acquired from the Public Health Laboratory (PHL), Khartoum State. Data was analyzed with R software (version 4.4.2). RESULTS: The overall prevalence rates were 7.1% for HBsAg, 12.2% for anti-HCV, and 0.6% for HIV. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibited significant variability across dialysis centers (p<0.001), with higher rates observed in certain facilities. No notable correlations between infection status and age or gender were detected. Co-infections were rare. CONCLUSIONS: Blood-borne viral infections persist as a significant issue in Sudanese hemodialysis facilities, emphasizing the imperative for consistent infection control measures such as routine blood screening for transfusion. Targeted interventions at high-prevalence centers are essential for decreasing transmission and enhancing patient outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.