TITLE:
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis Delta Virus Transmission among HBsAg Positive Blood Donors in Brazzaville, Congo
AUTHORS:
Serge O. Mokono, Chaldam J. Mbani, Brunel M. Angounda, Boris S. Bakoua, Sara R. Mbao-Bongo, Edwige P. Louanga Nanitelamio, Fabien R. Niama, Donatien Moukassa
KEYWORDS:
Prevalence, HDV, Blood Donors, Brazzaville, Risk Factors
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.9 No.8,
August
10,
2021
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.