Increased severity and morbidity of acute hepatitis in drug abusers with simultaneously acquired hepatitis B and hepatitis D virus infections.

Abstract

Hepatitis D virus (delta agent) markers were present in 111 (36%) of 308 intravenous drug abusers who were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 52 of these having hepatitis D virus antigenaemia. IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc IgM) was present in 92 out of 95 subjects tested, indicating that hepatitis D virus and hepatitis B virus infections had been acquired simultaneously. Hepatitis D virus markers were present in three out of four patients with fulminant hepatitis, in seven of 11 (64%) with severe hepatitis, and in 80 of 223 (36%) with mild or moderate hepatitis compared with four of 29 (14%) of those who were asymptomatic. These proportional differences were significant (p <0 001). Hepatitis D virus markers were present in twice as many patients positive for anti-HBc IgM requiring admission to hospital with

Advances in diagnostic clinical microbiology: An overview

“…This virus is a defective pathogen; only when its RNA molecule is encapsulated by HBsAg can it start to replicate and cause liver damage (20)(21)(22). Therefore, HDV infection is always coexistent with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.…”

“…The frequent association between cryptosporidiosis and Hepatitis D virus (HDV), also known as delta agent, was first discovered by Rizetto et al (19a) through their studies of liver tissue and sera from hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers in 1977. This virus is a defective pathogen; only when its RNA molecule is encapsulated by HBsAg can it start to replicate and cause liver damage (20)(21)(22). Therefore, HDV infection is always coexistent with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.…”

Suboptimal Response to Hepatitis B Vaccine in Drug Users

“…Fifty-four family contacts, including 38 children, are also living in the community. The results of vaccination of these children have been reported separately.10 Fortyone outside medical students and their family members (18 men, 23 women; mean age, 29 years) with no HBV markers or risk factors for hepatitis were also vaccinated and used as controls ( In March 1986, vaccination was offered to all residents in the community who were potentially susceptible to HBV because they met one of the following conditions: (1) had no serum markers for HBV; (2) had isolated antibody to the core antigen (anti-HBc); or (3) had anti-HBc and anti-HBs at titers less than the "protective" value of 10 mlU/mL.11 Seventeen (31%) of 55 vaccinées had no HBV mark¬ ers, 15 (27%) had isolated anti-HBc, and 23 (42%) had anti-HBc and nonprotective anti-HBs. Twenty-five drug users were HIV seroposi¬ tive but were asymptomatic.…”

Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus infection: a recommended strategy for prevention and control. A Review

“…1988). Since infection with the defective HDV requires ongoing replication of HBV (Rizzetto 1983; Bonino & Smedile 1986), HBsAg carriers are always at risk of HDV infection with potentially grave consequences (Shattock et al . 1985; Bonino & Smedile 1986).…”