Hepatitis D in Patients Infected with Hepatitis B Virus in Cotonou: Characteristics and Risk Factors

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a satellite virus of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The purpose of this work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and biological characteristics of HBV/HDV co-infection and the factors associated with this co-infection in Cotonou. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study with prospective data collection. It took place from June to October 2016 at CNHU/HKM and the Atinkanmey Polyclinic in Cotonou. Subjects over 15 years of age with HBsAg and untreated for hepatitis were included consecutively. Sociodemographic, clinical and biological characteristics were collected for each patient using only a standardized questionnaire. Then, a blood sample was taken for the determination of anti-HDV antibodies as well as the viral load of HBV. Results: A total of 156 subjects were included, predominantly male (sex-ratio = 2), and of median age 36 years. The majority were monogamous married (50%) or single (41.7%), and were from south of Benin (84.6%). Most subjects were asymptomatic (49.4%). The prevalence of total HDV antibodies was 3.9% (6/156). In subjects with total HDV antibodies, the prevalence of HDV IgM was 33.3%. Origin in northern Benin appears to be a risk factor for HDV infection (p = 0.042). Similarly, married subjects were statistically more infected with HDV than unmarried subjects (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The prevalence of HDV infection varies according to the origin of the patients and their marital status.