The prevalence of delta virus infection in chronic liver disease in Egyptian children in comparison with some other countries

Background. Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) infection has a world-wide distribu tion. The aim of this study was to establish its prevalence in Egyptian chi ldren with chronic Liver disease, and its role in the development and progr ess of hepatic illness. Methods. A prospective study of 45 Egyptian children who had liver cirrhosi s (n=24) or chronic hepatitis (n=21) was done. They were consecutively chos en, Their ages ranged from 2-15 years (median=5), Serological studies were performed to detect the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) an d HDV infection IgG antibody (IgG anti-HD). Results, Anti-delta antibody (IgG anti-HD) was detected in only four childr en with hepatic cirrhosis and non of the chronic hepatitis, with an overall prevalence of 8.9% (4/45), Three of them (75%) were hepatitis B surface an tigen (HBs Ag) negative. Significant statistical association between delta infection and the state of hepatic illness was detected (p<0.05). Whereas H Bs Ag was detected in 54% (13/24) of liver cirrhosis and 52% (11/21) of chr onic hepatitis, with an overall prevalence of 53% (24/45), There was no sta tistically significant association between HBs Ag positivity and state of h epatic illness. Conclusions. The prevalence of HDV infection is 8.9% of Egyptian children w ith chronic liver disease. HDV infection in children is associated with adv anced chronic Liver disease.