What is hepatitis D (HDV)?

Hepatitis D (Delta) is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. Unlike the other hepatitis viruses, HDV cannot sustain an infection without the help of HBV. HDV requires HBV's genetic information in order to replicate (produce more HDV).

What are the risk factors for HDV infection?

• Hemodialysis patients
• Hemophiliacs
• Homosexual male lifestyle:
• Intravenous drug users
• HBV Infection Status: Those individuals that have either an acute or chronic infection with HBV are at risk to contract HDV. When an individual is infected with HDV after they are infected with HBV they are said to have a HBV-HDV superinfection. A coinfection occurs when both HDV and HBV infect an individual at the same time. Both HBV and HDV have similar transmission routes. People who have an HBV-HDV coinfection may have a lower risk of developing a chronic HBV-HDV infection but they may have a more severe acute illness and a higher risk of developing fulminant hepatitis. Fulminant hepatitis is a rare form of hepatitis characterized by brain damage, blood clotting disorders, kidney failure and coma frequently leading to death. In contrast, individuals with a HDV superinfection and who have a chronic HBV infection have a higher risk of developing a chronic HDV infection as well. Chronic HBV-HDV individuals are 2-3 times more likely to develop liver cirrosis as compared to individuals who only have a chronic HBV infection
  
• Geographical: The CDC slide below shows the geographical prevalence of HDV in the world.
  
  © Slide compliments of the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) presentation entitled: Epidemiology and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis A to E: An Overview.

How is HDV transmitted?
HDV is transmitted in similar ways to HBV. Transmission occurs primarily through contact with infected blood. Sexual transmission of HDV can also occur through infected body fluids such as seminal fluid and vaginal secretions. Transmission from infected mother to newborn may rarely occur.

What are the signs and symptoms of HDV infection?
Symptoms vary from no symptoms to mild flu-like illness, dark urine, light stools, jaundice, fatigue and fever.

How can I find out if I am infected with HDV?
There is a blood test for the detection of antibody to HDV. Check with your physician if you suspect that you may have hepatitis of any form.

What is the treatment for HDV infection?
Prevention: As HDV is dependant on HBV for replication. Prevention of HBV is the key through vaccination.
Treatment: Interferon therapy has been used with varying success. Avoidance of alcohol is necessary to prevent further liver damage. Avoid combining drugs, check with your physician about any medications that you may be taking.

How can I prevent spreading HDV to others?
Cover sores and other breaks in the skin with bandages. Never let anyone share your toothbrush or razor. Clean any surface that comes in contact with your blood or body fluids with a 10% bleach solution (1 cup bleach to 10 cups water). Use safe sex.