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Low prevalence of delta hepatitis virus infection among blacks in Natal
S S Abdool Karim1, I M Windsor, W Gopaul
1Research Institute for Diseases in a Tropical Environment, South African Medical Research Council, Durban.
Insights
Delta hepatitis virus (DHV) infection is rare among Black individuals in Natal who are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). This study found no DHV antibodies in 172 HBsAg-positive subjects, indicating a low prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly prevalent in Black populations in Natal.
- Delta hepatitis virus (DHV), a coinfection with HBV, can lead to severe liver disease.
- Understanding DHV prevalence in HBsAg-positive individuals is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of delta hepatitis virus (DHV) infection among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive Black subjects in Natal.
- To assess the risk of DHV transmission in this population.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for antibodies to DHV was performed on 172 HBsAg-positive Black subjects.
- Subjects were categorized into three groups: urban children, family study participants, and institutionalized children.
- Prevalence was calculated using binomial distribution.
Main Results:
- None of the 172 HBsAg-positive subjects tested positive for antibodies to DHV.
- A 95% probability indicated DHV infection prevalence below 30 per 100,000 HBsAg-positive persons.
- DHV infection was found to be rare in this specific cohort.
Conclusions:
- Delta hepatitis virus infection is uncommon among Black individuals in Natal who are positive for HBsAg.
- Despite the low prevalence, the high incidence of HBV infection poses a potential risk for future DHV spread.
- Continued surveillance and prevention efforts for both HBV and DHV are warranted.
Abstract:
The prevalence of delta hepatitis virus (DHV) infection among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive black subjects in Natal was determined. A total of 172 subjects was tested for the presence of antibodies to DHV; all were HBsAg-positive. They comprised three groups: 51 urban children identified in a community-based seroprevalence survey, 81 subjects identified during a family study, and 40 institutionalised children. None of the 172 subjects was positive for antibodies to DHV. Based on calculations using a binomial distribution of infection, there was a 95% probability that the prevalence of DHV infection was below 30/100,000 HBsAg-positive persons. While DHV infection was found to be rare among blacks in Natal, the risk of delta hepatitis becoming widespread is ever-present, since the high incidence of hepatitis B virus infection in black children provides ample opportunity for the concomitant spread of DHV.