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Prevalence of hepatitis D in HBsAg positive patients visiting liver clinics

Naresh Kumar Seetlani1, Zaigham Abbas, Sajjad Raza

  • 1Imam Clinic, Jocobabad

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|July 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis D (HDV) infection is highly prevalent in Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients in Southern Pakistan. This indicates a critical need for effective preventive measures against HDV in the region.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
  • Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a unique RNA virus that requires HBV for replication, leading to more severe liver disease.
  • Estimating HDV prevalence in HBV-infected populations is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection among patients positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
  • To assess the clinical status and viral markers in HBsAg-positive patients in liver clinics in Southern Pakistan.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 362 HBsAg-positive patients from liver clinics in Karachi and Jacobabad between October 2007 and March 2008.
  • Patients were tested for HBV DNA, HDV RNA (by PCR), HBeAg, and anti-HDV antibodies.
  • Clinical evaluation included physical examination, routine biochemical tests, and abdominal ultrasound.

Main Results:

  • Out of 362 patients, 212 (58.6%) tested positive for anti-HDV antibodies.
  • HDV RNA was detected in 30 (46.2%) of the 65 anti-HDV positive patients tested.
  • Higher HDV antibody prevalence was observed in specific areas of Southern Pakistan (e.g., Kashmore 69.23%, Jacobabad 67%).
  • Positive HDV antibody status was significantly associated with more severe and advanced liver disease (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

  • Southern Pakistan exhibits an extremely high prevalence of Hepatitis D among HBsAg-positive patients.
  • The findings suggest Pakistan may be among the regions with the highest HDV prevalence globally.
  • Urgent implementation of effective preventive strategies is essential to control HDV transmission.
Abstract

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