Seroepidemiology And Co- Infections of Hepatitis D Virus Infection In The North- East of Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Professor of Internal Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
HBV infection is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis in Iran. HDV prevalence in chronic carriers of HBV has not been studied in the north-east of Iran. This study evaluated the prevalence, risk factors and co-infections of HDV with HCV.
Materials and Methods
This cross-sectional study was carried out From Sep_ Oct 2004 to Sep_ Oct 2005. The patients divided into two groups, inactive chronic carrier and chronic liver disease (chronic hepatitis and/or liver cirrhosis). Our study included 350 chronic HBV carriers in whom we assessed HDV Ab by ELISA method, then HDV Ab positive patients were assessed for risk factors and Co-infections with HCV. Later risk factors and co-infections were compared in HDV positive and HDV negative patients.
Results
Analysis of serum markers indicated that 10% (35/350) of patients had evidence of HDV infection; Anti-HDV was found in 4.5% (7/153) of patients with inactive carriers, and in 14.2% (28/197) of patients with chronic liver disease (chronic hepatitis and/or cirrhosis). Main risk factors of HDV positive and HDV negative infections included positive family history, blood transfusion, which were almost equal in two groups (p> 0.5). One out of thirty five (2.8%) of HDV positive patients showed triple infection of HBV/HDV/HCV. Also, 2.8% (1/35) of HDV negative patients showed dual infection of HBV/HCV
Conclusion
The present study shows that HDV infection is prevalent in the north-east of Iran, particularly in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, and it should be studied in them. Routine assessment of HCV in these patients is not recommended, unless risk factors exist.

Keywords

References

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medical journal of mashhad university of medical sciences
Volume 53, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
May and June 2009
Pages 69-72

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