Delta-agent infection in Taiwan
Journal
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Journal Volume
2
Journal Issue
1
Pages
1-8
Date Issued
1987
Author(s)
Abstract
Based on observations of a limited number of patients, delta (�_) infection has been reported to be infrequent in Taiwan. To further evaluate the role of �_?infection in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, serum samples of 493 subjects with acute and chronic HBV infections collected in 1976�V85 were studied for anti?�_ by radioimmunoassay. Intrahepatic �_?antigen was also studied by immunofluorescence in 12 anti?�_?positive patients. The overall prevalence of �_?infection was 4.7%, consistent with previous studies. �_?Infection had an even yearly distribution in the last decade. However, there were four groups with significantly higher frequencies: (i) 24% of 41 anti?HBe?positive patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH); (ii) 21% of 14 HBsAg carriers with prominent lobular hepatitis; (iii) two of three HBsAg carriers with intravenous drug abuse; and (iv) two of seven with fulminant hepatitis. On the other hand, �_?infection was uncommon in patients with chronic persistent hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, classical type B hepatitis, submassive necrosis and asymptomatic HBsAg carriers. �_?Antigen was found in only two patients with CAH; one progressed to cirrhosis, and the other had disease regression on follow?up. Overall, at least half of the �_?superinfected HBsAg?positive patients had a non?progressive course on follow?up.It was concluded that �_?agent was introduced to Taiwan before 1976. Although it has played a role in some clinical settings of HBV infections, it is generally infrequent in Taiwan. The �_?superinfection apparent in half the patients studied seems to have a non?progressive course.
SDGs
Type
journal article