Role of molecular techniques in the detection of HBV DNA & HCV RNA among renal transplant recipients in India

In this study we have investigated the occurrence of hepatitis B virus (HBV ), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections among 68 renal transplant recipients. Replicative HBV and replicative HCV infections were seen in 12 (17.6%) and 38 (55.9%) patients respectively, the differen ce was statistically significant (P<0.001). Among the 38 HCV RNA+ individua ls, anti-HCV was present only in 23. Anti-HCV in the absence of HCV RNA was detected in one patient. Anti-HDV antibody was seen in 2 (15.4 %) of the 1 3 HBV infected individuals, Nine (13.2 %) of the 68 individuals had replica tive dual infection with HBV and HCV. Triple infection (HBV DNA+, HCV RNA+, anti-HDV+) was seen in 2 transplant recipients. There was significantly hi gher demonstration of replicative HCV (P<0.001) in transplant recipients ha ving elevated liver enzymes (n=31) as compared to transplant recipients hav ing normal fiver enzyme levels (n=31), Though not significant, a higher det ection rate was also seen with replicative HBV infection and replicative du al infection among transplant recipients with elevated liver enzymes. The h igher detection of HCV in renal transplant recipients by molecular techniqu es, emphasizes the need for HCV RNA testing. Further deliberate attempts to change practices to reduce this problem may also improve graft and patient survival in recipients.