First study of hepatitis delta virus in Algeria: Seroprevalence and risk factors in Setif region (east of Algeria).

Abdelkader Gasmi,Wahiba Guenifi,Salah Mechakra,Amel Ouyahia,Slimen Laouamri,Abderahmen Hachani,Abderezak Touabti,Houda Boukhrissa,Mounira Rais,Abdelmadjid Lacheheb

doi:10.4102/sajid.v34i1.110

Abdelkader Gasmi, Wahiba Guenifi + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajid.v34i1.110

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Abstract

BackgroundNo recent data are available on hepatitis delta virus (HDV) prevalence in Algeria. For this reason we conducted an epidemiological study, cross-sectional seroprevalence of HDV in the region of Setif.MethodsBetween 2011 and 2014, sera samples of 500 patients (carrying HBsAg) admitted to the Division of Infectious Diseases Teaching Hospital, Setif (east of Algeria), were tested for anti-HDV-IgG ab (ETI-AB-DeltaK-2).ResultsThe prevalence of HDV obtained is estimated at 2.4%. The prevalence ranges from 1% in chronic hepatitis to 11.1% in cirrhotic hepatitis (low endemic area). Seropositivity rate is closely correlated with age (Odds ratio [OR] = 9.98, p = 0.000) and gender (OR = 0.24, p = 0.025); it reaches 58.3% in the age group of 51–60 years and 0% in children (age group 1–15 years); it represents 75% in females and 25% in males. The presence of familial cases of HBsAg positive (OR = 4.54, p = 0.006), the endoscopic procedure (OR = 6.54, p = 0.000) and tattooing (OR = 20, p = 0.000) were found to be the transmission risk factors. A statistically significant relationship was found between the positivity of anti-HDV and advanced liver disease, cirrhosis (OR = 9. 16, p = 0.000). A significant correlation was found between the positivity of anti-HDV with diabetes (OR = 6.83, p = 0.000), obesity (OR = 4.19, p = 0.009) and viral suppression B (OR = 5.69, p = 0.003).ConclusionOur results show that HDV infection is low in Algeria. Research for total anti-HDV should be part of the initial assessment of patient care with viral hepatitis B as well as the prevalence of other viruses (hepatitis C [HCV] and HIV). A multicentre study should be carried out to know the importance of HDV infection and identify the risk groups.

Highlights

First described in 1977 by Rizzetto et al.,[1] the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a small virus 1.7 kb RNA, single-stranded, negative polarity considered a human agent
The prevalence of HDV is higher among women (75% of positive anti-HDV)
Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between marital status and positivity of anti-HDV (OR = 1.03, p = 0.03), but there was no relationship between the number of wives and positivity of anti-HDV

Summary

Introduction

First described in 1977 by Rizzetto et al.,[1] the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a small virus 1.7 kb RNA, single-stranded, negative polarity considered a human agent. Biological characteristics not fully completing the virus definition criteria and its dependence on a helper virus[2] has placed it under the satellite virus group.[3] In 1993, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses proposed to classify it in a member of the free-floating genus Deltavirus[4] of which it is the sole representative.[5] One of its characteristics is its high genetic variability with eight separate genotypes HDV (HDV1– 8).[6,7] Hepatitis delta is an ubiquitous transmissible infection, reported in every country in which it was sought.[8,9] there is a varying prevalence from one country to another country and from one region to another region within the same country. Studies in the eighties have found a mean prevalence estimated at 5% in the carrier population of HBsAg. No recent data are available on hepatitis delta virus (HDV) prevalence in Algeria. For this reason we conducted an epidemiological study, cross-sectional seroprevalence of HDV in the region of Setif

Methods

Results

Conclusion