An Exploratory Evaluation of the Present Prevalence of Hepatitis D Infection in Selected Populations from Venezuela, Contrasted with Past Studies in the Country

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a satellite virus that requires the presence of a helper virus, the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Soon after its discovery by Mario Rizzetto in 1977, severe outbreaks of fulminant hepatitis D occurred in the past century, in indigenous populations from the Western and Southern (Amazon) regions of Venezuela, while the indigenous population from the Eastern region (Orinoco Delta) has been found to be free of this virus. Data on the prevalence of HDV infection in Venezuela are still highly imprecise. The aim of this study is to provide insights into the current situation of this disease in the country. Evidence of exposure and infection with HDV was found again mainly in indigenous populations, although also one patient with hepatitis B from the capital was found to be infected with HDV genotype 1. The genotype found in the indigenous Bari population was HDV genotype 1, the same lineage (a putative new subgenotype 1j) previously identified in this region in both Venezuela and Colombia. Although scarce information is still available about the burden of HDV infection in Venezuela, the few studies available are consistent in showing an epidemic concentrated mainly in some, but not all, indigenous populations. Reflex testing is needed to have a better appraisal of this disease in the country.