The Frequency of Hepatitis Delta in Hepatitis B surfuce antigen positive patients

Introduction Co-infection of HDV and hepatitis B may aggravate hepatic disease and lead to cirrhosis and serious complications. We decided to evaluate the prevalence of HDV infection in HBs antigen positive patients. Methods and Materials 200 HBsAg positive cases were investigated for the existence of anti HDV antibody during a period of one year, from August 2005 to August 2006 in a private Laboratory in Mashhad. Serology of HBsAg was evaluated by Monilisa kit and HDV serology was determined by PRD kit from DIA Company. The obtained demographic data and some important risk factors were analyzed. Results Among 200 HBsAg positive cases, 18 patients (9%) were infected with HDV. The mean age of the samples was 39.6 ± 14.99 years (20-68). 16.7% were females and the other 83.3% were males. Most of the patients were educated graduated from high school and higher levels. 88.9% of the participants were married. Their history of previous liver diseases or active hepatitis was reported by 94.4%. The history of surgery was reported for almost half of the patients to be infected by the coinfection of HBV and HDV. 55.6% had a history of oral cavity surgery and 22.3% had been exposed to blood products. One of the subjects had received blood product. Family history of hepatitis was reported for one of the patients and family vaccination had been performed in 88.9% of the cases. 44.4% of the subjects affected with HDV were not aware of the infection routes and more than half of them hadn’t used any anti virus agents. Conclusion HDV infection was seen in 9% of HBs antigen positive patients. So we suggest hepatitis delta screening in severe acute or progressive chronic hepatitis B.