PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS-C VIRUS IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS IN SPAIN

Several studies have reported a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus ( HCV) antibodies in dialysis patients, In order to determine HCV preval ence in Spain, we conducted a nationwide survey of patients on several modalities of dialysis. We found a greater HCV antibodies prevalence in dialysis patients than in the healthy Spanish population, and highe r prevalence in patients on haemodialysis than in patients on peritone al dialysis. In addition, the prevalence of HCV antibodies is higher i n nurses than in the rest of the dialysis unit staff.