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[Prevalence of seronegative hepatitis D among patients with chronic viral hepatitis B]

A V Semenov

    Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
    |January 10, 2013
    PubMed

    Insights

    Hepatitis D virus (HDV) replication markers are crucial for diagnosing active co-infection in chronic hepatitis B patients. A significant portion of patients with chronic viral hepatitis B (CVHB) and elevated ALT levels showed seronegative HDV infection, highlighting the need for HDV RNA testing.

    Area of Science:

    • Hepatology
    • Virology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Context:

    • Chronic viral hepatitis B (CVHB) is a significant global health concern.
    • Active CVHB infection is characterized by elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.
    • Hepatitis D virus (HDV) co-infection can worsen liver disease progression.

    Purpose:

    • To evaluate the prevalence of HDV replication markers in patients with CVHB and active liver damage.
    • To assess the utility of HDV RNA detection in diagnosing HDV co-infection.
    • To identify cases of seronegative HDV infection in the context of CVHB.

    Summary:

    • This study examined 142 patients with CVHB and elevated ALT levels.
    • HDV antibodies were found in 16.2%, while HDV RNA was detected in 21.8% of patients.
    • A notable 8.4% of patients exhibited a seronegative course of HDV co-infection, confirmed by HDV RNA detection.

    Impact:

    • The findings underscore the importance of including HDV RNA testing in the diagnostic algorithm for CVHB patients, especially those with pronounced liver damage.
    • Detecting seronegative HDV infection is critical for appropriate patient management and preventing disease progression.
    • This research contributes to a better understanding of HDV epidemiology and diagnostic strategies in co-infected individuals.
    Abstract

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