[Serological markers, viral RNA and genotype of hepatitis delta virus in HBs antigen positive Tunisian patients]. / Marqueurs sérologiques, ARN viral et génotype du virus de l'hépatite delta chez des patients tunisiens antigène HBs positifs.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study had for aim to study the serological and molecular patterns of hepatitis delta infection in Tunisian patients. DESIGN: Our study was carried out in 215 HBs antigen positive patients, including 176 asymptomatic carriers originated from regions of variable hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemicities, and 39 hepatitis B chronic patients with delta positive serology. Delta antigen, delta antibodies and HBe antigen were investigated for all patients; detection and genotyping of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) RNA and detection of HBV DNA were conducted in the second group patients. RESULTS: Twelve patients (6.8%) out of 176 asymptomatic carriers had HDV positive serology. Delta prevalence was relatively more elevated in regions of high HBV endemicity than on those with moderate or weak endemicity. The mean age of patients was 5 years higher in the delta positive subjects than in the global population. For hepatitis B chronic patients with delta positive serology, HDV RNA was detected in 53.8% of cases; HBV-HDV co-replication was observed in 38.4% of cases. Genotype 1 was found for one of the amplified samples. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study enrich the limited data on HDV prevalence in Tunisia and on the molecular epidemiology of circulating isolates.