Hepatitis delta virus infection prevalence, diagnosis and treatment in the Middle East: A scoping review

Abstract

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is a global public health concern, especially because of its unique existence in the presence of hepatitis B virus infection. HDV infection is estimated to affect 12 million people globally. Having a clearer understanding of its prevalence in all regions of the world is essential for helping direct preventive and early interventional treatment. This mini‐review assessed the literature over the last 10 years to determine the prevalence, diagnostic means and treatment guidelines available for HDV in the Middle East. The search found limited data available in 21 articles, of which 18 were studies focused on Iran. Prevalence rates ranged dramatically among the countries, and none of the 12 countries included in the search had specific HDV guidelines. This review highlights the urgent need for more precise data for the Middle East region to help establish early diagnosis and treatment options for HDV.

Diagnostic Efficacy of Serological Antibody Detection Tests for Hepatitis Delta Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…This result highlights the importance of routine HDV testing [38,39]. An estimated 12 million people worldwide have had HDV infection [40], with a higher prevalence in certain geographic areas and populations. As HDV infection depends on the presence of HBV, EASL, AASLD and APASL guidelines recommend HDV testing for all HBsAg-positive patients chronically infected with HBV [41][42][43].…”

Hepatitis Delta: Ready for primetime?

“…As pointed out in the review article by Lazarus and colleagues, which covers the current situation in the Middle East, there is still a long way to go with regard to several of these aspects. 43 However, this challenge is certainly neither limited to the Middle East nor to research limited regions. In their dedicated review article of this special issue, Tharwani and Hamid discuss the requirements on a global scale and nicely describe more specific needs depending on the HDV prevalence and affected population.…”

“…Moreover, national hepatology societies need to be encouraged to generate action plans and/or guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. As pointed out in the review article by Lazarus and colleagues, which covers the current situation in the Middle East, there is still a long way to go with regard to several of these aspects 43 . However, this challenge is certainly neither limited to the Middle East nor to research limited regions.…”

Hepatitis delta virus infection in the Middle East

“…To the Editor, I read with interest the manuscript "Hepatitis delta virus infection prevalence, diagnosis and treatment in the Middle East: A scoping review" by Lazarus et al 1 where the authors reviewed publications from 12 neighbouring countries in the Middle East published during the past 10 years. Their findings highlight the lack of data, where most of the reviewed manuscripts came from one country (18 publications from Iran) with one publication from each of three other countries and no data from the remaining eight countries.…”