Delta agent infection in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
• The delta virus (HDV) is a satellite virus that requires HBV for replication.
• The epidemiology of HDV infection varies geographically.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of anti-delta antibodies in HBsAg-positive individuals in Saudi Arabia and the Philippines.
• To assess the association between anti-delta positivity and liver disease in Saudis.
• To explore potential new endemic foci of HDV infection.

Main Methods:

• Radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique was used to detect anti-delta antibodies.
• Blood samples were collected from 186 HBsAg-positive Saudis and 42 HBsAg-positive Filipino blood donors.
• Saudi participants were categorized into groups with liver disease, other illnesses, and apparently healthy individuals.

Main Results:

• Anti-delta antibodies were detected in 32% of Saudis with liver disease, 13% with other illnesses, and 5.4% of apparently healthy Saudis.
• A prevalence of 9.5% for anti-delta antibodies was found in Filipino blood donors.
• A higher prevalence of anti-delta was observed in Saudis with liver disease compared to other groups.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate a significant prevalence of HDV infection in Saudi Arabia, particularly among those with liver disease.
• The high prevalence in Filipino blood donors suggests a potential endemic focus of HDV in the Philippines.
• These results highlight the need for broader surveillance to identify additional endemic regions of HDV infection globally.