Author information
1Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
2Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
3Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
4Comprehensive Transplant Institute, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
5Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection continues to be transmitted to hemodialysis (HD) patients within HD facilities globally. The goal of the World Health Organization to micro-eliminate HCV infection from the HD population by the year 2030 is not on target to be achieved. Obstacles to eliminate HCV in HD settings remain daunting due to a complex system created by a confluence of guidelines, legislation, regulation, and economics. HCV prevalence remains high and seroconversion continues among the HD patient population globally as a result of the HD procedure. Preventive strategies that effectively prevent HCV transmission, treatment-as-prevention, and rapid referral to treatment balanced with kidney transplant candidacy should be added to the current universal precautions approach. A safer system must be designed before HCV transmission can be halted and eliminated from the HD population.