Characterization of the transcripts of hepatitis D and B viruses in infected human livers.

To examine the replication of hepatitis D virus (HDV) and its interactions with helper hepatitis B virus (HBV), the RNA of both viruses was analyzed in liver biopsy tissue obtained from six patients with past or present hepatitis. In four of five hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers, the RNA genome of HDV was found in the liver. Further, the complementary RNA species as replication templates of HDV genomes documented in previous animal studies were confirmed. Within the livers of four HBsAg carriers, the transcription of HBV was absent or incomplete, however, in the patient without HDV RNA, the HBV genes expressed accurately and actively. This may account for the previously observed HBV suppression by concomitant HDV infection.