High prevalence and risk factors of transmission of hepatitis delta virus in pregnant women in the Center Region of Cameroon

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) co-infection has been described as the most severe form of viral hepatitis, and both can be co-transmitted from mother-to-child. A seroprevalence of 4.0% of HDV infection was reported in pregnant women in Yaounde, and 11.9% in the general population in Cameroon. Our objective was to describe the rate of HDV infection in pregnant women and to determine risk factors associated with mother-to-child transmission of HDV. Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from January 2019 to July 2022 among pregnant women attending antenatal contacts in seven health structures in the Centre Region of Cameroon. A consecutive sampling (non-probability sampling) was used to select only women of age over 21 years, who gave a written informed consent. Following an informed consent, an open-ended questionnaire was used for a Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey of these women, and their blood specimens collected and were screened for HBsAg, anti-HIV and anti-HCV antibodies by rapid tests and ELISA. HBsAg-positive samples were further screened for HBeAg, anti-HDV, anti-HBs, and anti HBc antibodies by ELISA, and plasma HDV RNA load measured by RT-qPCR. ResultsOf 1992 pregnant women, a rate of 6.7% of HBsAg (134/1992) with highest rate in the rural areas, and 3.9% of hepatitis vaccination rate were recorded. Of 134, 44 (32.3%) were anti-HDV antibody-positive, and 47.6% had detectable RNA viraemia. Two women of 44 anti-HDV-positive cases (4.5%) were co-infected with HBV and HCV, while 5 (11.4%) with HIV and HBV. Multiple deliveries, the presence of tattoos and/or scarifications were significantly statistically associated with the presence of anti-HDV antibodies. Of note, 80% of women with negative HBeAg and positive anti-HBe serological profile, had plasma HDV RNA load of more than log 3.25 (>10.000 copies/ml). ConclusionThese results show an intermediate rate of HDV infection among pregnant women with high level of HDV RNA viremia, which suggest an increased risk of vertical and horizontal co-transmission of HDV.