Hepatitis D (patient information)
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Hepatitis D |
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Hepatitis D On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Delta agent is a type of virus called hepatitis D that causes symptoms only in people who also have a hepatitis B infection.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D may make the symptoms of hepatitis B more severe. Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Exams and Tests
- Anti-delta agent antibody
- Liver biopsy
- Liver enzymes (blood test)
What causes Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is only found in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make a recent (acute) hepatitis B infection or an existing long-term (chronic) hepatitis B liver disease worse. It can even cause symptoms in people who carry hepatitis B virus but who never had symptoms. Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in 5% of people who carry hepatitis B. Risk factors include:
- Abusing intravenous (IV) or injection drugs
- Being infected while pregnant (the mother can pass the virus to the baby)
- Carrying the hepatitis B virus
- Men having sexual intercourse with other men
- Receiving many blood transfusions
Who is at highest risk?
Risk factors include- Abusing intravenous (IV) or injection drugs Being infected while pregnant (the mother can pass the virus to the baby) Carrying the hepatitis B virus Men having sexual intercourse with other men Receiving many blood transfusions
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis B.
Diagnosis
Anti-delta agent antibody Liver biopsy Liver enzymes (blood test)
Treatment options
Many of the medicines used to treat hepatitis B are not helpful for treating hepatitis D. See hepatitis B. Persons with long-term HDV infection may receive a medicine called alpha interferon for up to 12 months. A liver transplant for end-stage chronic hepatitis B may be effective.
Where to find medical care for Hepatitis D?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hepatitis D
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Persons with an acute HDV infection usually get better over 2 to 3 weeks. Liver enzyme levels return to normal within 16 weeks. About 10% of those who are infected may develop long-term (chronic) liver inflammation (hepatitis).
Possible complications
- Chronic active hepatitis
- Fulminant hepatitis
Prevention
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D. Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, avoid sharing needles. A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. Adults who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection, and all children should consider getting this vaccine.
Alternative Names
Hepatitis D virus