Low Performance of Hepatitis Delta Virus Testing Among 2 National Cohorts of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in the United States

Am J Gastroenterol. 2022 Dec 1;117(12):2067-2070. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001947. Epub 2022 Aug 12.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate hepatitis delta virus (HDV) testing patterns among US adults with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods: HDV testing was evaluated among CHB patients using Quest Diagnostics (2016-2020) and Veterans Affairs (2010-2020) data.

Results: Among 157,333 CHB patients (Quest), 6.7% received HDV testing, among which 2.2% were positive. HDV testing was higher in male patients, younger individuals, and patients with advanced liver disease. Among 12,002 CHB patients (Veterans Affairs), 19.7% received HDV testing, among which 3.1% were positive. HDV testing was higher in younger individuals and Asians.

Discussion: Low HDV testing was observed among 2 large US cohorts of adults with CHB.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B virus
  • Hepatitis B*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic* / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic* / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis Delta Virus
  • Humans
  • Male
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens