Hepatitis D Virus Infection in Isfahan, Central Iran: Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Chronic Hbv Infection Cases



Ataei B² ; Yazdani MR² ; Kalantari H¹ ; Yaran M² ; Nokhodian Z² ; Javadi AA² ; Babak A³ ; Adibi P¹
Source: Hepatitis Monthly Published:2011

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is dependent on hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Acute infection with HDV can occur simultaneously with acute HBV infection or be superimposed onto a chronic HBV infection. Objectives: This study aimed to identify cases of HDV and determine its prevalence in patients with chronic HBV infection for the first time study in Isfahan, central Iran. Patients and Methods: In a cross-sectional study in 2009, 346 who had been diagnosed for at least 6 months with chronic HBV were enrolled consecutively. Anti-HDV was measured by ELISA in the serum of these patients. Results: The study included 245 males (70.8%) and 101 (29.2%) females with a mean age of 39 ± 12.4 years. Anti-HDV was present in 8 (3.5%) HBe antibody-positive patients (p = 0.36) and in 2 (2.3%) HBe antigen-positive cases (p = 0.68). No association was found between hepatitis D and probable risk factors. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of HDV infection is higher in patients who are positive for HBeAb compared those who are HBeAg-positive. Therefore, most HDV antibody-positive cases in Isfahan are HBV/HDV super infections but not co infections. © 2011 Kowsar M.P.Co. All rights reserved.