Hepatitis B and D in the Pacific Islands of Kiribati

Abstract

Background: Historical reports indicate that hepatitis B and hepatitis D are highly endemic in the Pacific Island of Kiribati but current levels are unknown. Objectives. To determine current prevalence of HBV and HDV in Kiribati, characterize the strains in both mono-infection and co-infection and assess individuals for antiviral therapy. Study design: Sera obtained from 219 patients were screened for HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, anti-HD, and HDV RNA. 61 HBV isolates were sequenced for genotype, phylogenetic analysis and detection of pre-core and basal core promoter mutations. 82 HDV isolates were also sequenced. Results: 55.7 % HBsAg positive samples had antibodies to HDV and 73.2 % had detectabl..