Contribution of Hepatitis D Virus in Liver Cancer Among Hepatitis B Virus Infected Populations of Central Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background and aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rampant disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Viral hepatitis is currently the most common factor in the occurrence of HCC in sub-Saharan Africa. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver disease which may or may not progress to HCC. In a dual infection with Hepatitis D virus (HDV), HCC tends to have a faster turn out. Our aim is to evaluate the influence of HDV on the risk of HCC and elaborate on factors favouring HDV infection. Methods: A review of available literature in English or French was conducted in major data bases with the search terms “liver disease”, “hepatocellular carcinoma”, “hepatitis delta and liver disease”, “hepatitis D virus infection”, “prevalence of HDV”, and “hepatitis D in Central Africa”, and each term was associated to a central African country. A meta-analysis of included publications was then performed. Results: The prevalence of HDV was 28% (95% CI). There was a higher risk of HCC in HBV-HDV dual infection (OR: 0.82 [95% CI: -0.01 to 1.65]) compared to that in HBV mono-infection. HDV genotype 1 was found to be the most prominent in central Africa, with HDV subgenotypes 1a and 1b dominating. Hepatitis delta was more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. Conclusion: Hepatitis D is highly prevalent in the HBV population of central Africa. The presence of HDV increases the risk of HCC. More research has to be carried out to understand how HDV speeds up liver disease and hence how to prevent it.