Introduction: The hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a 36-nm virus, which needs hepatitis B virus for replication. Infection by the Delta agent can occur as a co-infection with hepatitis B, which usually causes acute hepatitis, or as a super- infection of hepatitis B infection. The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of super infection or co-infection in HBsAg positive patients.

Methods: Anti-HDV (IgM) and HDV Ag by EIA method were tested in 79 HBsAg-positive sera and the liver function tests including SGOT and SGPT were done. All anti-HDV IgM positive samples were tested for anti-HBc IgM by EIA method. The prevalence of super infection was determined.

Results: Delta Ag was not detected in any of the 79 sera. 7 out of 79 (8.8%) samples were positive for anti-HDV(IgM) but they were all negative for anti-HBc IgM. The liver enzyme function tests were elevated in 5 out of 6 samples.

Conclusion: 7 samples were positive for anti-HDV(IgM) and indicated recent infection with HDV in these patients, but anti-HBc (IgM) was not detected, so these serologic data suggest super-infection with Delta agent in HBV-infected patients. In HBsAg-positive patients with liver enzyme elevation, investigating possible HDV infection is strongly recommended.

Hakim Research Journal 2007 9(4): 7- 11.