Author(s)

Serge O. Mokono^1,2, Chaldam J. Mbani^1,3, Brunel M. Angounda^1,3, Boris S. Bakoua¹, Sara R. Mbao-Bongo¹, Edwige P. Louanga Nanitelamio^1,2, Fabien R. Niama³, Donatien Moukassa^1,2

¹National Center of Blood Transfusion, Brazzaville, Congo.
²Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo.
³Faculty of Science and Technology, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo.

Background: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. It is a major cause of severe acute and chronic hepatitis B. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HDV in blood donors. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving HBsAg-positive blood donors covering the period from July to December 2020. Testing for HDV RNA was performed by conventional two-step RT-PCR. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22 software. Result: Of 113 HBsAg positive samples included in the study 22 or 19.5% were HDV positive. The prevalence of HDV was higher in the age group 31 - 45 years (45.5%), in male donors (71.4%) and in donors with secondary education (50.0%). Furthermore, 55.4% belonged to the family donor category. A significant statistical difference was observed between HDV infection, tattoos, piercings and multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of HDV among blood donors in Brazzaville.

Prevalence, HDV, Blood Donors, Brazzaville, Risk Factors

Mokono, S. , Mbani, C. , Angounda, B. , Bakoua, B. , Mbao-Bongo, S. , Nanitelamio, E. , Niama, F. and Moukassa, D. (2021) Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis Delta Virus Transmission among HBsAg Positive Blood Donors in Brazzaville, Congo. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, 9, 43-50. doi: 10.4236/jbm.2021.98004.