Ηepatitis D

Causes

Hepatitis D is caused by a defective RNA virus (delta agent) that can replicate only in the presence of hepatitis B virus. It occurs uncommonly as a coinfection with acute hepatitis B or as a superinfection in chronic hepatitis B.

Symptoms and Signs

Acute hepatitis D infection typically manifests as:

• Unusually severe acute HBV infection (coinfection)
• An acute exacerbation in chronic HBV carriers (superinfection)
• A relatively aggressive course of chronic HBV infection

Diagnosis

Serologic testing

Treatment

Supportive treatment

Prevention

No product exists for immunoprophylaxis of hepatitis D. However, prevention of HBV infection prevents HDV infection