Prevalence of hepatitis delta virus among hemodialysis and renal transplant patients

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus infection is an important cause of liver disease in hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients. Hepatitis Delta virus is a defective virus transmitted by the same route of hepatitis B virus, which requires the helper function of hepatitis B virus. Data about hepatitis B virus/hepatitis delta virus coinfection are scarce and there are no studies regarding the coinfection among hemodialysis patients and renal transplant in our country. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis delta virus infection among hemodialysis patients and renal transplant recipients. Methods: Cross-sectional study analyzing virological markers of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus infection and biochemical and clinical features of liver disease of patients infected with hepatitis B virus in hemodialysis and renal transplant. Results: A total of 117 HBsAg-positive patients (46 hemodialysis and 71 renal transplant) were included. The mean age was 48.511.8years and 67% were males. Antiviral therapy was given to 74% of patients. Liver function tests were within the normal range. HBeAg-positive was found in 35% of patients and median hepatitis B virus DNA was 2.98log (IU/mL). Cirrhosis was detected in 26.5% of patients. The prevalence of anti-hepatitis delta virus total antibody (+) was 1.7% (2/117). None of the 2 patients had active hepatitis delta virus infection, since all samples tested negative for hepatitis delta virus-RNA. Conclusion: The results suggest a low prevalence rate of coinfection B and D in hemodialysis and renal transplant recipients in this population.