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Hepatitis delta virus infection in Bombay
D D Banker1, P Desai, T A Brawner
1Sir Hurkisondas Nurrotumdas Medical Research Society, Bombay, India.
Summary
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection was prevalent in Bombay, often co-occurring with Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Concurrent HDV and HBV infections appeared to worsen the severity of acute viral hepatitis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Viral hepatitis poses a significant global health challenge.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a primary cause of acute and chronic liver disease.
- Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a unique satellite virus that requires HBV for replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection in patients with acute viral hepatitis in Bombay.
- To determine the association between HBV and HDV infections.
- To assess the impact of co-infection on the clinical course of acute viral hepatitis, particularly fulminant cases.
Main Methods:
- Sera from 425 patients with acute viral hepatitis were collected between June 1985 and June 1989.
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and immunoglobulin M anti-hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc) were used for HBV diagnosis.
- Tests for anti-hepatitis D virus (anti-HDV) antibodies and hepatitis D antigen (HDAg) were performed to detect HDV infection.
Main Results:
- Of 425 cases, 331 were diagnosed with hepatitis B.
- HDV infection was confirmed in 124 (37.5%) of the hepatitis B cases, with an additional 24 (7.2%) positive for HDAg.
- Among 39 fulminant hepatitis cases, 32 had HBV infection. Of these, 20 (63%) also showed evidence of HDV infection, and 31 patients died.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis D virus infection is present and associated with hepatitis B in Bombay.
- Concurrent HBV and HDV infections may lead to a more severe clinical presentation of acute viral hepatitis.
- HDV co-infection appears to aggravate the course of hepatitis B, increasing the risk of fulminant hepatitis and mortality.