2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B
Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus among patients co-infected with hepatitis D virus
Author(s): S Jayanthi, V Dillirani and V Rengashini
Abstract: Background: Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis D virus coinfection arises from a unique virological interaction wherein HDV depends on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for its replication and transmission. The global prevalence of HDV may vary based on the geographical location. Approximately 300 million people in the world are chronically infected with HBV, placing them at risk of acquiring HDV. Coinfection with HDV accelerates the progression of liver disease often leading to cirrhosis, severe hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Molecular assays targeting HBV S gene and polymerase gene help in identifying genotype specific variations and associated resistance mutations, which are crucial for guiding effective antiviral therapy. Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis D infection among Hepatitis B positive cases and the genotyping of Heptitis B virus in samples co-infected with Hepatitis D virus. Materials and Methods: This was a Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over 6 months (April 2024-September 2024) at Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. Consecutive, non -repetitive HBsAg positive (Sandwich ELISA) blood samples of 118 patients were subjected to detection of HDV antibodies (Competitive ELISA) was done. Results: A total of 118 samples that tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), all were negative for hepatitis D virus antibodies, indicating that HDV coinfection was not evident in this subgroup. Conclusion: The low prevalence of HDV among HBV infected individuals in the study population may be due to the miss matched genotype combinations of HBV and HDV and less efficient HDV replication among HBV genotype D and HDV genotype 1 which are prevalent in India. Considering the increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma up to threefold and two fold mortality among HDV confected individuals, continued surveillance and targeted HDV testing may be necessary among all the HBV positive individuals.
DOI: 10.22271/micro.2025.v6.i2b.243
Pages: 106-116 | Views: 200 | Downloads: 62
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How to cite this article:
S Jayanthi, V Dillirani, V Rengashini. Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus among patients co-infected with hepatitis D virus. J Adv Microbiol Res 2025;6(2):106-116. DOI: 10.22271/micro.2025.v6.i2b.243
