Prevalence of hepatitis D virus infection in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hepatitis D virus (also known as hepatitis delta virus) can establish a persistent infection in people with chronic hepatitis B, leading to accelerated progression of liver disease. In sub-Saharan Africa, where HBsAg prevalence is higher than 8%, hepatitis D virus might represent an important additive cause of chronic liver disease. We aimed to establish the prevalence of hepatitis D virus among HBsAg-positive populations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We systematically reviewed studies of hepatitis D virus prevalence among HBsAg-positive populations in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for papers published between Jan 1, 1995, and Aug 30, 2016, in which patient selection criteria and geographical setting were described. Search strings inc

SUBMITTER: Stockdale AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5599428 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature