Unveiling Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Hepatitis D Among Vulnerable Communities in Romania

Unveiling Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Hepatitis D Among Vulnerable Communities in Romania

Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) and Delta (HDV) virus infections pose critical public health challenges, particularly in Romania, where HDV co-infection is underdiagnosed. Methods: This study investigates the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of HBV/HDV co-infection in vulnerable popul...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Liana Gheorghe, Speranta Iacob, Irma Eva Csiki, Mihaela Ghioca, Razvan Iacob, Ileana Constantinescu, Bogdan Chiper, Laura Huiban, Cristina Muzica, Irina Girleanu, Nicoleta Tiuca, Sorina Diaconu, Daniela Larisa Sandulescu, Ion Rogoveanu, Andra Iulia Suceveanu, Florentina Furtunescu, Corina Pop, Anca Trifan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Viruses
Subjects:
delta hepatitis
vulnerable population
prevalence
advanced fibrosis
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/1/52
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) and Delta (HDV) virus infections pose critical public health challenges, particularly in Romania, where HDV co-infection is underdiagnosed. Methods: This study investigates the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of HBV/HDV co-infection in vulnerable populations, leveraging data from the LIVE(RO2) program. Conducted between July 2021 and November 2023, the program screened 320,000 individuals across 24 counties, targeting socially disadvantaged groups such as rural residents, the Roma community, and those lacking health insurance. Results: Among 6813 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive individuals, HDV antibody prevalence was 4.87%, with active replication confirmed in 75.6% of HDV-positive cases. Regional disparities emerged, with higher HDV prevalence and replication rates in the Eastern region compared to the South. HDV-positive individuals were more likely to be younger, male, and from rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Clinically, HDV co-infection correlated with increased liver stiffness, advanced fibrosis stages, and lower steatosis levels compared to HBV mono-infection. Psychiatric comorbidities were more prevalent among HDV-positive patients, highlighting the need for integrated care. Conclusions: This study underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions, including enhanced screening, education, and access to novel antiviral therapies like bulevirtide to address the significant burden of HBV/HDV co-infection in Romania.
ISSN:1999-4915

Similar Items