Prevalence of delta virus infection in high risk population and hepatitis B virus related liver diseases.

Two hundred and fifty four high risk persons or patients with hepatitis B virus related liver disease (209 men, 45 women; age range 1-78 years) were tested for anti-delta antibody and IgM anti-HBc to determine the prevalence of delta agent coinfection and superinfection. The prevalence of delta infection was as follows: acute viral hepatitis 23/148 (16%) and chronic liver disease 17/92 (19%), and asymptomatic HBsAg carriers 1/6 (17%). In the high risk population, the delta antibody prevalence was as follows: multiple transfusion recipients 3/8 (38%), patients with chronic renal failure 1/5 (20%) and medical professionals 2/7 (29%). Of 44 patients (34 men, 10 women; age 3-63 years) with delta infection, 26 (59%) had coinfection and 18 (41%) had superinfection. Six patients with anti-delta antibody had received blood transfusion(s) and six others gave history of parenteral exposure.