• S C Nwokediuko and U Ijeoma.
• Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria. scnwokediuko@yahoo.com
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2009 Dec 1; 12 (4): 439442439-42.

ObjectiveHepatitis D Virus (HDV) infection has been reported to be declining in some geographical areas. In order to ascertain the current status of HDV infection in Nigeria, a study of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver diseases was undertaken to determine the sero-prevalence ofanti-HDV.MethodThis was a prospective, cross-sectional study in which all consecutive patients with liver disease who tested positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were also tested for antibody to HDV.ResultNinety six patients with various forms of HBV-related liver diseases participated in the study (acute hepatitis 8.3%, asymptomatic infection 15.6%, chronic hepatitis 3.1%, liver cirrhosis 21.9% and primary liver cell carcinoma 51.0%). Anti-HDV was demonstrated in 12 patients (12.5%). In patients with acute hepatitis and asymptomatic infection the prevalence was 4.3% while in patients with chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and primary liver cell carcinoma, the prevalence was 15%.ConclusionHDV still contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in HBV-related liver diseases in Nigeria. There is urgent need for larger studies on a national scale to accurately appraise the public health importance of this infection.

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