Hepatitis D in Chronic Active Hepatitis B: Prevalence, Liver Enzyme levels and Histopathology-an Epidemiological Study in Shiraz, Southern Iran, 2003-2004

Background and aims: at least 5% of hepatitis b carriers worldwide are infected with hepatitis d virus (hdv). thisstudy aims to determine the prevalence, transaminase levels and histopathological findings of hdv among patients withchronic active hepatitis b in southern iran.methods: during 2003-2004,93 patients ~15 years with chronic active hepatitis b were enrolled from referrals to shirazuniversity of medical sciences in southern iran.results: nine (9.7%) patients were seropositive for the anti hdv antibody. 76.3% of patients were male and amongthe hdv positive group, all subjects were male too. a significantly higher ast and more advanced grade and stage ofliver disease were observed in the hdv positive group. the most common mode of transmission in the positive groupwas intravenous drug use.conclusions: the risk of liver disease progression in chronic hepatitis b appears to be higher in hdv infected patients.intravenous drug abuse is an important risk factor for acquiring hdv infection. checking anti-hdv is suggested in anypatient with positive hbsag, especially in males or those with history of intravenous drug abuse.