Infection with delta agent in Pakistan. Introduction of a new hepatitis agent.

Delta agent is a defective virus which may coinfect with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or superinfect a carrier of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Sera from 1130 adult and young jaundiced patients and volunteers of both sexes were tested for seromarkers of viral hepatitis by ELISA technique. One hundred and ninety three cases,positive for HBsAg, were further tested for delta antibody. A low prevalence (3.11%) of delta agent infection was found in these HBsAg positive individuals. As HBsAg carrier rate in general population is fairly high in Pakistan (10%) and all modalities of spread of HBV/ delta agent are also present, so the risk of spread of delta agent is also high. The mandatory use of disposable syringes and elimination of HBsAg positive blood units for transfusion should be strongly emphasised to prevent the further spread of HBV/delta agent infection in the country (JPMA 38: 126, 1988).