Infection due to hepatitis delta virus in Africa: report from Senegal and review

A review of the literature shows strong variations in the prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) among Africans seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). In Senegal, West Africa, prevalence of antibodies to HDV among asymptomatic HBsAg carriers appears to be linked to regional and/or socioeconomic factors. Antibodies to HDV were found in 22 (47%) of 47 HBsAg-seropositive patients with liver disease who were hospitalized in the main hospital of Dakar and in 4% to 44% of asymptomatic HBsAg carriers. Eight (36%) of 22 patients with liver disease were seropositive for IgM antibodies to HDV, whereas none of 18 asymptomatic subjects were seropositive (P less than .01). According to studies conducted in Europe and the United States, the presence of this marker may constitute support for the argument that HDV plays a role in the development of HBsAg-associated liver diseases in Senegal and, presumably, within the African continent.