Hepatitis d virus seroprevalence in hepatitis b virus postive individuals in a tertiary care hospital Tirupati

Introduction: Hepatitis D virus is defective RNA virus dependent on Hepatitis B virus for itsreplication and expression Hepatitis D virus also known as hepatitis delta virus is asmall satellite virus that requires presence of HBsAg to propagate .Hepatitis B virusinfection is a world wide health problem which is estimated that has infected more than3.5 billion people globally more than 350 million individuals suffer from chronic infection with this virus .HDV is co infected in 2% of HBV positive individuals as per past studies. Co existent infection with HDV tends to accelerate the progress of chronic HBV infection to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma. Fulminant hepatitis may develop in 20 to 30 percent of patients in coinfection with both HBV and HDV .This study about the prevalence of HDV (Hepatitis D Virus) in HBV(Hepatitis B Virus)Positive individuals at SVRRGGH of SV Medical college Tirupati, will help us to aware medical practitioners of the risk of dual infection and also provides necessary emphasis on preventive measures. Aims and objectives: To know the seroprevalence of Hepatitis D virus (HDV) among Hepatitis B virus (HBV) seropositive individuals and to ensure necessary preventive measures. Materials and methods: After obtaining informed consent. The serological test will be performed using commercially available ELISA method according to the instructions provided in the manufacturers manual. ANTI HDV antibody is detected using ELISA method. Results: The present study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati after obtaining permission from the Institutional Ethical Committee. A total of 170 blood samples were collected from the patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study. The serum samples were tested for HBsAg and HDV antibodies using ELISA [Nova Tec, Germany]. The results were categorized under gender, age and source for obtaining the blood sample. Among the 170 samples collected which were positive for HBsAg, 5 (2.94%) were positive for HDV. Conclusion: Of 170 blood samples which were positive for HBsAg when tested for HDV antibodies 2.94 % are positive. Anti HDV antibodies are tested using ELISA kit for antibody detection. The age group commonly affected is 0-11 years age group and greater than 50 years Family and society face lot of economic burden as dependent age group is affected more. Females are most affected age group for HDV more than males. The available way to prevent Hepatitis D infection is to avoid Hepatitis B infection by getting vaccinated , High risk individuals should get Hepatitis B vaccination by series of 3 injections over a period of 6 months, stopping usage of recreational drugs, practicing safe sex practices, and has to be cautious about tattoos, ear piercings Co infection or super infection with HDV in Hepatitis B patients worsen the symptoms and fasten the liver damage and causes fulminant hepatitis and burden to the patient.