Hepatitis D Is a Forgotten Problem in Hemodialysis Patients in the World

Hepati tis Delta Virus (HOV) is a small defective virus that replicates only in the presence of Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) (1). The epidemiology of HOV infection is similar to HBV but with notable exceptions. Evidence of HDV infection was found all around the world. It is estimated that approximately 5% of HBsAg carriers are infected with HDV infection all around the world. HDV infection occurs worldwide but incidence and prevalence data are limited due to inaccurate reponing and delayed detection. It is more difficult to determine the number of cases of acute or fulminant hepatitis related to HDV infection, as the incidence varies among continents, countries, and regions.