Molecular detection of hepatitis delta virus in blood donors with RT-PCR

Abstract Background and Objective: Hepatitis delta virus is an imperfect virus with RNA and its activity depends on the presence of hepatitis B virus. This virus can lead to acute and chronic diseases in the liver. This study aimed to detect the hepatitis delta virus in blood donors with positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigens (HBsAg). Material and Methods: In this Study, 350 serum samples were obtained from the people infected with hepatitis B blood in Transfusion organization of Shahrekord city, Iran. After extracting RNA by RNA Plus kit and making cDNA, the samples were evaluated by using RT PCR. Results: Of 350, two samples (0.57%) were infected by HDV. Conclusion: Low prevalence of HDV infection shows that Hepatitis B is being controlled in Shahrekord. Keywords: Hepatitis Delta Virus, Blood Donors, Hepatitis B Surface Antigens