Investigation of Hepatitis D virus from the Hepatitis B virus patients in Iraq

The Hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) is what causes the hepatocellular inflammatory disorder known as hepatitis Delta, which is a tiny, spherical viroid wrapped in RNA. This particular hepatitis virus is classified as a subviral satellite due to its ability to replicate only in the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The Hepatitis D virus is classified as a defective RNA virus, which relies on the presence of the Hepatitis B virus to facilitate its reproduction and the formation of new viral particles. Both HBV and HDV are spread by similar pathways, which include blood-borne transmission, sexual transmission, percutaneous transmission, and vertical transmission. This study aims to identify hepatitis D in Iraq, access results on the rate of infection with this virus and its impact on patients, and identify the prevailing serotype and genotype in Iraq. From September 2022 to November 2022, this study included 120 patients suffering from hepatitis B infection who were admitted to Azadi Hospital and private laboratories. Blood samples were collected from every patient, and by using a centrifuge device, serum samples were obtained. All of the demographic information about the patients was written down, and the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELSA) method was used to estimate the immunoglobins (IgM and IgG) of HBV and HDV. The HDV RNA was extracted from serum samples and converted into cDNA. The nested-reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the HDV genome. Results showed a higher prevalence of hepatitis infections among males, older individuals, married individuals, and groups with lower education levels, while the more common risk factors were dental procedures followed by blood transfusions and surgery. 117 patients were positive for anti-HbsAg (IgG) antibodies, while only 3 were positive for anti-HbsAg (IgM) antibodies. Among all HBV ii patients, only 20 had positive anti-HDV (IgG) antibodies; in contrast, only 11 of them were positive for HDV RNA. The current study provides more data on the incidence of HDV in Diyala, Iraq, revealing a prevalence rate of 16.7% among the studied population. Further research is required to examine the occurrence and genetic variability of HDV in various regions of Iraq, including among people at elevated risk, such as those who perform intravenous drug use and those undergoing haemodialysis