Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis Delta Virus Transmission among HBsAg Positive Blood Donors in Brazzaville, Congo

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. It is a major cause of severe acute and chronic hepatitis B. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HDV in blood donors. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving HBsAg-positive blood donors covering the period from July to December 2020. Testing for HDV RNA was performed by conventional two-step RT-PCR. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22 software. Result: Of 113 HBsAg positive samples included in the study 22 or 19.5% were HDV positive. The prevalence of HDV was higher in the age group 31 -45 years (45.5%), in male donors (71.4%) and in donors with secondary education (50.0%). Furthermore, 55.4% belonged to the family donor category. A significant statistical difference was observed between HDV infection, tattoos, piercings and multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of HDV among blood donors in Brazzaville.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Blood Donors in the Republic of Congo

“…[21] [23][24] [25].The seroprevalence SARS-CoV-2 antibody was high in blood group O donors compared to other blood groups, but no significant difference was found. In this study, we note that blood group O donors were more exposed to SARS-CoV-2.Indeed, N. Liu et al; Wu et al suggests that compared to individuals of blood groups O and B, individuals of blood groups A and AB were associated with an increased risk of death.…”