Abstract

Background: In recent years, the number of kidney failure patients has increased, and due to a shortage of dialysis machines in Misan Province, the likelihood of hepatitis virus infection has risen due to frequent blood transfusions. Objective: This study aimed to investigate hepatitis virus infection rates among hemodialysis patients and compare diagnostic results using Real-Time PCR and ELISA methods. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 102 patients with kidney failure undergoing regular hemodialysis at the hemodialysis center in Al-Sadar Teaching Hospital, Misan Province, from January 2025 to December 2025. Serological and molecular assays were performed to detect HBV and HCV. Results: Among the 102 hemodialysis patients, the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was 39.2% using ELISA and 16.7% using Real-Time PCR. Meanwhile, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence was 32.4% using ELISA and 14.7% using Real-Time PCR. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in infection rates based on sex or age groups across all tested parameters. Furthermore, comparison between ELISA and PCR demonstrated a clear discrepancy in positive cases, illustrating differing analytical sensitivities between serological and molecular techniques in detecting viral infections. Conclusion: The study concluded that HBV prevalence is higher than HCV among hemodialysis patients. Demographic factors like age and sex showed no significant correlation with infection rates, indicating that healthcare-associated and dialysis-related exposures play a primary role in viral transmission. Single diagnostic methods are insufficient for comprehensive screening.