[Study on hepatitis delta virus infection in China]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
• The delta antigen (HBsAg) is a marker for HBV infection.
• Antibody to the delta antigen (anti-delta) indicates co-infection with Hepatitis D virus (HDV).

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect the prevalence of anti-delta antibodies in HBsAg-positive individuals across China.
• To investigate the geographical distribution and epidemiological characteristics of HDV infection in China.
• To assess the role of HDV in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) were employed for anti-delta detection.
• A total of 1027 HBsAg-positive individuals from 11 Chinese provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions were screened.
• Data were analyzed based on geographical location and clinical status (chronic hepatitis B, chronic persistent hepatitis).

Main Results:

• No anti-delta antibodies were detected in 634 individuals from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangxi, Sichuan, Heilongjiang, Fujian, Liaoning, and Henan.
• Out of 393 individuals from Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Tibet, 17 (4.3%) tested positive for anti-delta antibodies.
• The prevalence of anti-delta antibodies was significantly higher in patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH) compared to chronic HBsAg carriers.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis D virus infection in China exhibits both endemic and sporadic features.
• HDV infection is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B, particularly in specific regions.
• Further research is warranted to understand the full impact of HDV co-infection on liver disease progression in China.