Is hepatitis delta underestimated?

Hepatitis D virus may be underestimated because it is a significant problem in HBsAg-positive patients, especially those who inject drugs, have HIV or HCV co-infections and/or live certain endemic regions. In the past few decades, prevalence of HDV was expected to decreased as result improvements public healthcare policies and universal HBV vaccination programs. However, has continued spread low-income countries, with local outbreaks migration less areas, so that its remained stable even increased As result, research been focused on epidemiology HDV. Contradicting data from three large recent meta-analyses reported between 0.16% 1.00% global general population, 4.5% 14.6% an estimated 12 70 million patients worldwide. The exact number still subject debate for several reasons, including unreliable assessment infection lack real-world screening. associated risk progression cirrhosis development HCC compared mono-infection, which higher co-infection. Morbidity mortality HDV-related should not overlooked. conclusion, hepatitis probably certainly underdiagnosed, screening performed all clinical practice.