Hepatitis D and HIV coinfection

Abstract

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate, which occurs in either HBV/HDV co-infection or following HBV infection (super-infection). The number of HDV infections has decreased globally since the introduction of universal neonatal HBV vaccination programme. However, the existing number of individuals with HBV infections is high among those who did not receive HBV vaccination. In China, with high burden of HBV infections, understanding the epidemiology of HDV, including the prevalence and molecular characteristics, is important. The prevalence of HDV was likely to vary spatially, and HIV infection is an important risk factor for HDV infection in China. Comparing with individuals with HBV monoinfections, the prevalence of HDV was higher in individuals with HBV/HIV infections. Strategic prevention and control of HDV epidemic is needed.