HEPATITIS-D

HEPATITIS-D

What is hepatitis D (HDV)?
Hepatitis D (HDV) is a viral infection of the liver that can only be acquired if a person has active hepatitis B (HBV).



How common is it?
Hepatitis D is linked directly to hepatitis B, particularly to chronic HBV infection. There are particular pockets worldwide where chronic HBV infection is high, but HDV infection is low or uncommon, such as Southeast Asia and China.



How is it transmitted?
The modes of HDV transmission are similar to those for HBV. However, sexual transmission of HDV is less efficient than for HBV.
Hepatitis D can only infect people with active HBV infection.
HDV is passed most often through sharing IV drug needles with an infected person.
People receiving clotting factor concentrates may also be at a higher risk.
Transmission of HDV from mother to child during birth is rare


Symptoms
Many with both HBV and HDV may or may not develop symptoms. When present, symptoms are similar to those of HBV.
People with both HBV and HDV are more likely to have sudden, severe symptoms, called fulminant hepatitis.
Those who are infected with both HBV and HDV are at greater risk for developing serious complications associated with chronic liver disease.
People infected with HBV and HDV may become chronically infected and may be contagious from time to time for the rest of their lives.


Testing/Diagnosis
Your health care provider can test for hepatitis D through blood tests that identify HDV antigen or HDV antibodies.

Treatment
Most people with acute viral hepatitis experience a self-limited illness (one that runs a defined, limited course) and go on to recover completely. There is no accepted therapy, nor restrictions on diet or activity.
People with chronic hepatitis B and D can be treated with interferon. Your health care provider can help you make decisions about your care needs based upon your medical history and liver condition.
In most cases, hospitalization should be considered for patients who are severely ill for supportive care.


What does it mean for my health?
Hepatitis D, can cause a more severe acute disease than an HBV infection alone. The severity of the diseases together can result in death.
When hepatitis D is acquired and HBV infection already exists, chronic liver diseases with cirrhosis are more likely to occur than with an HBV infection alone.
People with chronic HBV and HDV have a greater chance of developing chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.


Reduce your risk
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B. This also provides protection against HDV since hepatitis B must be present in order for HDV infection to occur.
If you inject drugs and can't stop, avoid sharing your works--needles, syringes, cotton, water, spoons, pots (cookers)--or any other drug paraphernalia. If you choose to share your works, clean them with water and bleach to reduce your risk of getting hepatitis C, filling syringes for at least 30 seconds.
Use latex condoms the right way every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Even though HDV is not commonly transmitted through sex, hepatitis B is, and having hepatitis B makes it possible to get HDV. Click here for more information about preventing HBV.


Talk to your partner
When you and your partner understand how hepatitis D is passed, you can both agree to protect your health. Remember:
Hepatitis D is very rarely sexually transmitted, but using latex condoms the right way every time for vaginal, oral and anal sex greatly reduces the risk of passing or getting an STD, like hepatitis B.
If your partner uses injecting drugs, talk to them about stopping.
If you inject drugs and can't stop, avoid sharing your works--needles, syringes, cotton, water, spoons, pots (cookers)--or any other drug paraphernalia. If you choose to share your works, clean them with water and bleach to reduce your risk of getting hepatitis C, filling syringes for at least 30 seconds.


Where can I get more information?
Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
Viral Hepatitis Division and National Immunziation Program

Hepatitis Foundation International

American Liver Foundation

Immunization Action Coalition (IAC)

Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases (PKID)