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Alternative names Return to top
Hepatitis D virusDefinition Return to top
Hepatitis D infection involves a defective viral agent that causes symptoms only in association with hepatitis B infection.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Hepatitis D virus may increase the severity of an 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:
Symptoms Return to top
Hepatitis D may increase the severity of symptoms associated with all forms of hepatitis B.
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Treatment is the same as for hepatitis B.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
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 Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hepatitis B occur.
Prevention Return to top
Prompt recognition and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D.
Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, 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.
Update Date: 7/8/2004 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |