| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Hepatitis D infection involves a defective viral agent that causes symptoms only in association with hepatitis B infection.
|
| Alternative Names | Hepatitis D virus
|
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors | Hepatitis D virus may increase the severity of an hepatitis B '>acute hepatitis B infection, aggravate previously existing hepatitis B liver disease , or cause symptoms in previously asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers. Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide, occuring in 5% of people with hepatitis B. Risk factors include the following: Previous hepatitis B infection Being a carrier of hepatitis B Receiving many blood transfusions Intravenous drug abuse |
| Symptoms | Hepatitis D may increase the severity of symptoms associated with all forms of hepatitis B . |
| Signs and tests | Liver enzymes are elevated. Anti-delta agent antibody is positive. Liver biopsy shows acute hepatitis . |
| Treatment | Treatment is the same as for hepatitis B . |
| Support Groups | |
| Expectations (prognosis) | Expectations are similar to those of acute hepatitis B. The acute illness usually subsides over 2 to 3 weeks, and the liver enzyme levels return to baseline within 16 weeks. About 10% of people infected may develop chronic hepatitis. |
| Complications | chronic active hepatitis fulminant hepatitis |
| Calling your health care provider | Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hepatitis B occur. |
| Prevention | Prompt recognition and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D. Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If IV drugs are used, avoid sharing needles. There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis B and should be considered by people who are at risk due to IV drug use, exposure to blood products, or sexual behaviors. |
| | |