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Summary
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is low in Japan, with 1.2% of HBsAg carriers testing positive for anti-delta antibodies. Perinatal transmission was blocked, highlighting the need to reduce chronic hepatitis B carriers.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic in Southeast Asia, with a high prevalence of surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers.
- Delta infection studies in this region are limited, despite HDV's potential to cause severe liver damage in HBsAg carriers.
- Understanding HDV prevalence in non-high-risk populations is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of delta infection among HBsAg-positive patients in Japan.
- To assess the risk of perinatal transmission of HBV and HDV.
- To evaluate preventive measures against delta infection.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for HBsAg, anti-delta antibody, and delta antigen in 323 HBsAg-positive patients.
- Identification of high-risk groups for delta infection.
- Monitoring of perinatal transmission in an HBeAg-positive mother and infant.
Main Results:
- Four out of 323 (1.2%) HBsAg-positive patients tested positive for anti-delta antibody; none were positive for delta antigen.
- The identified positive cases did not belong to known high-risk groups for delta infection.
- Perinatal transmission of HBV and HDV was successfully prevented in one case using hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccine.
Conclusions:
- Delta infection is present, though infrequent, among ordinary Japanese citizens.
- The study highlights the potential for delta infection to spread among HBsAg carriers.
- Interrupting vertical transmission of HBV is a key strategy to reduce the chronic carrier pool and prevent potential delta infection epidemics.