PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS D VIRUS (HDV) IN SOUTH GUJARAT

Aim: Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) infects only patients that are already infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV).There is lack of data on the impact of Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in south Gujarat. This study was aimed at determining the seroprevalence of Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) in south Gujarat and does epidemiological studies on HDV among chronic Hepatitis B patients. Methods: This study was carried out at tertiary hospital (New Civil Hospital, Surat).This study was done from March 2010 to April 2011.Total 141 consecutive HbsAg positive patients were included in this study. Results: Out of 141 HbsAg positive patients 12 patients were positive for anti-HDV ELISA. High prevalence rate was found in middle aged man. HBV- HDV infection togather cause more severe liver damage.HDV infection was more associated with blood tranfusion. Conclusion: The HDV infection is not uncomman.Coexistent infection with Hepatitis B aggravates the course of liver disease.One of the common route of HDV transmission is haematologic, suggesting the need for blood screening for HDV particularly in groups with numerous blood transfusions.