What is hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D is a viral liver infection caused by the Hepatitis D virus (HDV). The virus can be mainly transmitted by piercing with a contaminated needle or sharp object (e.g. during tattooing, piercing) but also through contact with infected blood, blood products or other bodily fluids (e.g. during unprotected sexual intercourse). Hepatitis D virus is a so-called defective virus because it can only cause infection when the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is present. It consists of an RNA chain, does not have its own protein, and cannot replicate on its own. To do this, HDV requires the HBV envelope protein to enter liver cells. Hepatitis D can occur at the same time as hepatitis B virus infection (known as co-infection) or it can occur in patients who have chronic hepatitis B, in which case we are talking about superinfection with the hepatitis D virus. Without the hepatitis B virus you cannot be infected with the hepatitis D virus, so vaccination against Hepatitis B automatically protects against Hepatitis D as well.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis D?
Co-infection with hepatitis D and B virus can cause from mild to severe hepatitis range with signs and symptoms indistinguishable from those of other types of acute viral hepatitis. After the 3-7 weeks incubation period during which the Hepatitis D virus multiplies in the body, symptoms such as malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, low -grade fever, jaundice (yellow color of the skin and conjunctiva) may appear, as well as dark colored urine and light-colored stools. Laboratory tests show elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood, indicating liver cell damage and high levels of bilirubin in the blood. In more than 90% of cases the recovery is complete while the occurrence of fulminant hepatitis and the development of Chronic Hepatitis D are rare. In some cases, however, the infection is completely asymptomatic and can be detected only by chance.
Hepatitis D virus infection in a person already chronically infected with hepatitis B virus leads to the development of chronic HBV-HDV infection with rapid deterioration of liver function and development of cirrhosis at a younger age. Patients with cirrhosis caused by HDV are at increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
Hepatitis D virus infection in a person already chronically infected with hepatitis B virus leads to the development of chronic HBV-HDV infection with rapid deterioration of liver function and development of cirrhosis at a younger age. Patients with cirrhosis caused by HDV are at increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
Co-infection with hepatitis D and B virus can cause mild to severe hepatitis with signs and symptoms indistinguishable from those of other types of acute viral hepatitis. After the 3-7 weeks incubation period during which the Hepatitis D virus multiplies in the body, symptoms such as malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, low -grade fever jaundice (yellow colour of the skin and conjunctiva) may appear, as well as dark colored urine and light-colored stools. Laboratory tests show elevated levels of liver enzymes in the blood, indicating liver cell damage and high levels of bilirubin in the blood. In more than 90% of cases the recovery is complete while the occurrence of fulminant hepatitis and the development of Chronic Hepatitis D are rare. In some cases, however, the infection is completely asymptomatic and can be detected only by chance.
Hepatitis D virus infection in a person already chronically infected with hepatitis B virus leads to the development of chronic HBV-HDV infection with rapid deterioration of liver function and development of cirrhosis at a younger age. Patients with cirrhosis caused by HDV are at increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
Diagnostic and therapeutic methods in this field have evolved significantly in recent years. If you have the slightest suspicion of hepatitis D infection, you should consult your family doctor. If you are unable to visit a doctor or clinic, this map (clickable) will direct you to the nearest clinic where you can easily, quickly and safely get tested for Hepatitis D, as well as receive recommendations for treatment in case of a positive result.
The project is funded by Gilead Sciences.
This information is intended for general information and information to the public and in no way can replace the advice of a doctor or other competent healthcare professional.