Significance of delta agent infection in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: A study in British carriers

I. V D Weller, P. Karayiannis, A. S F Lok

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Delta antigen (δ) is a transmissible agent requiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication. Antibody to δ (anti-δ) was present in nine of 71 (13%) British HBV carriers: six were intravenous drug abusers and two were haemophiliacs. Anti-δ was negative in 30 HBsAg positive homosexuals. Cirrhosis was common in patients with anti-δ and those with anti-δ positive cirrhosis were significantly younger than those with anti-δ negative cirrhosis. In British HBV carriers δ infection is associated with intravenous drug abuse and haemophilia and perhaps a more rapid progression of chronic liver disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1061-1063
Number of pages3
JournalGut
Volume24
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 1983

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