Epidemiology and clinical course of delta infection in Britain

This study demonstrates the presence of serological markers of delta infection in HBsAg positive patients throughout the years 1976-1982. As in other Northern European countries, delta infection in Britain is predominantly found in drug addicts and haemophiliacs. delta Ag was detected transiently in serum in a minority of patients presenting with acute hepatitis. In the others and those presenting with chronic liver disease, anti-delta was the only serological evidence of delta infection. Our findings also confirm that delta infection is associated with a more severe and rapidly progressive liver disease.