Eurofins Biomnis code

DELBM

Synonyms

• HDV
• hépatite Delta

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

The hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) is a circular RNA virus. HDV is considered a satellite virus, as it can only spread in the presence of another virus, the hepatitis B virus (HBV).The prevalence of HDV infection is not well known. Zones of high, medium and low endemicity have been proposed. At least 8 major genotypes of HDV and several sub-genotypes within these different genotypes have been identified.Transmission of HDV is identical to that of HBV: parenteral, sexual and maternal-foetal.Infection with HDV can occur either through simultaneous infection with both HBV and HDV (co-infection) or through HDV infection in a patient already chronically infected with HBV (superinfection). Infection with HDV accentuates and accelerates the liver damage associated with HBV. In case of co-infection, the evolution may be spontaneously resolving or, on the contrary, fulminant. Superinfection may result in fulminant hepatitis or, conversely, progression to chronic delta hepatitis.HDV infection must be diagnosed systematically in all HBsAg-positive individuals. Delta virus RNA testing and quantification is the gold standard for patient management.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• EDTA serum or plasma
•   FROZEN
• Freezing within 4 hours

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

Heparinised tubes cannot be used (PCR inhibiting effects)
.

Methodology

Real-time PCR

Turnaround time

4 days