Alternate Names: Hepatitis delta virus; Delta agent

Causes and Risks:

Hepatitis D virus may increase the severity of an acute Hepatitis B infection, aggravate previously existing Hepatitis B liver disease, or cause infection in asymptomatic Hepatitis B carriers.

Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide, or 5% of all people with Hepatitis B.

Risk factors are history of previous Hepatitis B infection, being a carrier of Hepatitis B, receiving many blood transfusions, and intravenous drug abuse. Infection among homosexual men is extremely rare.

Prevention:

Prompt recognition and treatment of Hepatitis B infections can be helpful. Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If IV drugs are used, avoid sharing needles. There is a vaccine available to prevent Hepatitis B.

Symptoms:

• 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:

• same as for Hepatitis B

Prognosis:

Same as acute Hepatitis B: the acute illness usually subsides over 2 to 3 weeks, and the liver returns to baseline within 16 weeks. About 10% of people infected may develop chronic hepatitis.

Complications:

• chronic active hepatitis
• fulminant hepatitis

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of Hepatitis B occur.