According to the study "Diagnostic Efficacy of Serological Antibody Detection Tests for Hepatitis Delta Virus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" by Pan et. al (2023), the Researchers stated that "According to a recent meta-analysis, an estimated 12 million people worldwide have
been infected with HDV. However, due to large gaps in diagnosis, especially in
high-prevalence areas and populations, this number might be underestimated, which is
supported by meta-analyses indicating that 50–72 million HBV carriers may be coinfected
with HDV". I am curious about how do the diagnostic accuracies of serological antibody detection tests for hepatitis delta virus differ from various populations and settings.
Good day, Mr. Sarmiento!
The choice of serological assay can impact diagnostic accuracy for hepatitis delta virus (HDV). As stated in the journal, earlier studies reporting on the diagnostic performance of serum antibody tests caused uncertainty among researchers. Hence, it is essential from a public health perspective to assess the diagnostic efficacy of serological tests. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) are commonly used for HDV antibody detection, and their sensitivity and specificity can differ. However, according to Modahl (2008), even though there is a growing variety of molecular assays for hepatitis viruses, their performances can vary and may not always be consistent. Other factors influencing accuracy include the quality and consistency of tests, potential cross-reactivity with other viruses (which may result in false positives), and patient variables such as age, immune status, and other liver conditions. Clinical settings may also vary in their resources, expertise, and methods, affecting HDV antibody detection accuracy.
Modahl, L. E., & Lai, M. M. C. (2000). Hepatitis Delta Virus: The Molecular Basis of Laboratory Diagnosis. Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 37(1), 45–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408360091174178
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Chemistry, Organic
- Organic