Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients at the Renal Failure Treatment Center of Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Background: Chronic hemodialysis patients represent a high-risk population for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection due to repeated vascular access procedures, blood transfusions, and nosocomial transmission. No published data existed on HCV seroprevalence in this population in the Republic of Congo prior to this study. Objective: To determine the anti-HCV seroprevalence among chronic hemodialysis patients at the Renal Failure Treatment Center (RFTC) of Brazzaville and to identify factors associated with anti-HCV seropositivity. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study with prospective data collection was conducted from March 1 to November 30, 2025 at the RFTC. Anti-HCV antibody detection was performed by rapid immunochromatographic test (SD Bioline HCV, specimen type: serum), systematically confirmed by sandwich ELISA (Sirio S analyzer, 3A Laboratory kit). The minimum sample size (n = 160) was calculated using the Schwartz formula based on an estimated prevalence of 23% and a significance level of 5%. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25. Results: Of 151 recruited patients, 125 were included (male predominance: 77.6%; mean age: 50.7 ± 12.7 years). Anti-HCV seroprevalence was 14.4% (n = 18), with perfect concordance between the rapid test and ELISA. HCV-seropositive patients were predominantly male (66.7%), had a history of multiple blood transfusions (83.3%), and were catheter-dependent (72.2%). Univariate analysis identified no statistically significant risk factor; these findings are preliminary given the small number of positive cases. Conclusion: Anti-HCV seroprevalence of 14.4% among hemodialysis patients at the RFTC of Brazzaville is intermediate on the African spectrum. These findings underscore the need for systematic screening, reinforcement of blood safety, and promotion of arteriovenous fistula in this vulnerable population.