Prevalence of HDV infections in Poland based on the experience of a single center in Silesia and literature research

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) causes the most aggressive and rapidly progressive form of viral hepatitis. However, detailed data about epidemiology and risk factors in Polish population are still lacking. Thus, the aim of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of HDV infection among a Silesian population of patients infected with HBV. 177 patients with confirmed hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were examined for HDV infection. The diagnostic methods used in this study were measurement of HDV antibodies and HDV antigen levels. A telephone follow-up of patients who tested positive indicating HDV infection was conducted, in which they were asked about their current health status, the course of HDV infection and possible risk factors. The prevalence of HDV infection was 3.4%. Four of six patients already had an advanced level of liver fibrosis (F3 or higher) before starting treatment, one of them having undergone liver transplantation. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in HDV patients were above normal in half of the cases. Except for two cases, no risk factors were identified that may favor HDV infection. Hepatitis D is a serious disease that requires more attention. Due to the limitations of our study, larger-scale studies answering the question of the prevalence of HDV in Poland are needed.