Author/Authors :
Ghadir, Mohammad-Reza qom university of medical sciences and health services - Faculty of Medicine - Gastroenterology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, قم, ايران , Belbasi, Mojtaba Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization Research Center, ايران , Heidari, Akram qom university of medical sciences and health services - Faculties of Medicine, قم, ايران , Sarkeshikian, Saeid qom university of medical sciences and health services - Faculty of Medicine - Gastroenterology Section, Department of Internal Medicine, قم, ايران , Kabiri, Alireza Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization Research Center, ايران , Ghanooni, Amir Hossein qom university of medical sciences and health services, قم, ايران , Iranikhah, Abolfazl qom university of medical sciences and health services - Faculty of Medicine - Gastroenterology Section, Department of Pediatrics, قم, ايران , Vaez-Javadi, Maryam qom university of medical sciences and health services, قم, ايران , Alavian, Moayed baqiyatallah university of medical sciences - Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, تهران, ايران
Abstract :
Background: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus that depends on the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of hepatitis B virus for its replication, developing exclusively in patients with acute or chronic hepatitis B. There are little data regarding the routes of HDV transmission in Iran. The risk factors for HDV infection in Iran are blood transfusion, surgery, family history, Hejamat wet cupping (traditional phlebotomy), tattooing, war injury, dental interventions, and endoscopy.Objectives: We performed this study to determine the prevalence of hepatitis D in the general population of Qom province and the potential risk factors for acquiring HDV.Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study collected 3690 samples from 7 rural clusters and 116 urban clusters. HBs antigen was measured, and if the test was positive, anti-HDV was measured. Ten teams, each consisting of 2 trained members, were assigned to conduct the sampling and administer the questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS.Results: Forty-eight subjects (1.3%) suffered from hepatitis B, and 1 HBsAg-positive case had HDV infection. The prevalence of hepatitis D infection in Qom Province was 0.03%. The prevalence of hepatitis D infection in HBsAg-positive cases was 2%. Our anti-HDV-positive case had a history of tattooing, surgery, and dental surgery. There was no significant relationship between tattooing, surgery history, or dental surgery and hepatitis D infection.Conclusions: The prevalence of hepatitis D in Qom is the the lowest in Iran, similar to a study in Babol (north of Iran).
Keywords :
Hepatitis D , Hepatitis B Virus , Prevalence , Iran
