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Hepatitis D (Delta agent)
Delta agent
Hepatitis D is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (previously called the Delta agent). It causes symptoms only in people who also have hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...
Causes
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is found only in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make liver disease worse in people who have either recent (acute) or long-term (chronic) hepatitis B. It can even cause symptoms in people who carry hepatitis B virus but who never had symptoms.
Hepatitis B
The term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain, yellowing ...
Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in a small number 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 worse.
Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Exams and Tests
You may need the following tests:
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Anti-hepatitis D antibody
Anti-hepatitis D antibody
The hepatitis virus panel is a series of blood tests used to detect current or past infection by hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. It can sc...
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Liver biopsy
Liver biopsy
A liver biopsy is a test that takes a sample of tissue from the liver for examination.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Liver enzymes (blood test)
Treatment
Many of the medicines used to treat hepatitis B are not helpful for treating hepatitis D.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the liver due to infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Other types of viral hepatitis ...
You may receive a medicine called alpha interferon for up to 12 months if you have a long-term HDV infection. A liver transplant for end-stage chronic hepatitis B may be effective.
Outlook (Prognosis)
People with an acute HDV infection most often get better over 2 to 3 weeks. Liver enzyme levels return to normal within 16 weeks.
Acute
Acute means sudden or severe. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of chronic.
About 1 in 10 of those who are infected may develop long-term (chronic) liver inflammation (hepatitis).
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Chronic active hepatitis
- Acute liver failure
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis B.
Prevention
Steps to prevent the condition include:
- Detect and treat hepatitis B infection as soon as possible to help prevent hepatitis D.
- Avoid intravenous (IV) drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, avoid sharing needles.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Adults who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection and all children should get this vaccine. If you do not get Hepatitis B, you cannot get Hepatitis D.
References
Landaverde C, Perrillo R. Hepatitis D. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 81.
Thio CL, Hawkins C. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 148.
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Hepatitis B virus - illustration
Hepatitis B is also known as serum hepatitis and is spread through blood and sexual contact. It is seen with increased frequency among intravenous drug users who share needles and among the homosexual population. This photograph is an electronmicroscopic image of hepatitis B virus particles. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Hepatitis B virus
illustration
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Hepatitis B virus - illustration
Hepatitis B is also known as serum hepatitis and is spread through blood and sexual contact. It is seen with increased frequency among intravenous drug users who share needles and among the homosexual population. This photograph is an electronmicroscopic image of hepatitis B virus particles. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Hepatitis B virus
illustration
Review Date: 8/2/2016
Reviewed By: Raymond S. Koff, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
