Prevalence of Twin Hepatitis Delta and B Virus Infections in Pakistan
Author Information
Author(s): Khan Asad U, Waqar Muhammad, Akram Madiha, Zaib Mehnaz, Wasim Muhammad, Ahmad Shahzad, Niaz Zeeshan, Ali Sajid, Ali Haider, Idrees Muhammad, Bajwa Mohammad A
Primary Institution: Genome Center for Molecular Diagnostics & Research, Lahore, Pakistan
Hypothesis
What is the molecular epidemiology of HDV co-infection with HBV in different regions of Pakistan?
Conclusion
The study found that HDV infection is common in Pakistan, particularly in the Sindh province and among male patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Out of 228 HBsAg positive samples, 190 were HBV DNA positive.
- HDV RNA was detected in 53 (28%) of the HBV DNA positive patients.
- The prevalence of HDV was significantly higher in males (69.8%) compared to females (30.2%).
- In Sindh, the prevalence of HDV was 67%, while it was only 6% in Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw and 4% in Punjab.
Takeaway
This study shows that many people in Pakistan have both hepatitis B and D viruses, especially men and those from Sindh.
Methodology
The study used PCR methods to detect HBV DNA and HDV RNA in HBsAg positive samples from patients across Pakistan.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with insufficient serum volume or those who were HBV DNA negative.
Limitations
The study did not explore the exact mode of transmission for HDV in the Sindh province.
Participant Demographics
The study included 190 patients, with 63.7% males and 36.3% females, mean age 42 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.01
Statistical Significance
p < 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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