Background: Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) infection has a worldwide distribution. The aim of this study was to establish its prevalence in Egyptian children with chronic liver disease, and its role in the development and progress of hepatic illness.
Methods: A prospective study of 45 Egyptian children who had liver cirrhosis (n = 24) or chronic hepatitis (n = 21) was done. They were consecutively chosen. Their ages ranged from 2-15 years (median = 5). Serological studies were performed to detect the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) and HDV infection IgG antibody (IgG anti-HD).
Results: Anti-delta antibody (IgG anti-HD) was detected in only four children with hepatic cirrhosis and non of the chronic hepatitis, with an overall prevalence of 8.9% (4/45). Three of them (75%) were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) negative. Significant statistical association between delta infection and the state of hepatic illness was detected (p < 0.05). Whereas HBs Ag was detected in 54% (13/24) of liver cirrhosis and 52% (11/21) of chronic hepatitis, with an overall prevalence of 53% (24/45). There was no statistically significant association between HBs Ag positivity and state of hepatic illness.
Conclusions: The prevalence of HDV infection is 8.9% of Egyptian children with chronic liver disease. HDV infection in children is associated with advanced chronic liver disease.