Hepatitis D (patient information)
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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.
Causes
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
Symptoms
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)
Treatment
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.
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
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis B.
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