Hepatitis D: Difference between revisions
Created page with "The hepatitis D virus is defective, as it lacks certain parts to function. Because of this, it can only cause infection when hepatitis B is also present, as the hepatitis D virus requires the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for it to function. Like hepatitis B and C, transmission is parenteral, sexual, or perinatal. == Clinical features == Coinfection with HBV causes more severe acute hepatitis or fulminant hepatitis, but no increased risk of chronic hepatitis. Su..." |
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The hepatitis D virus is defective, as it lacks certain parts to function. Because of this, it can only cause | The '''hepatitis D virus''' is defective, as it lacks certain parts to function. Because of this, it can only cause [[viral hepatitis]] when [[hepatitis B]] is also present, as the hepatitis D virus requires the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for it to function. | ||
Like hepatitis B and C, transmission is parenteral, sexual, or perinatal. | Like hepatitis B and [[Hepatitis C|C]], transmission is parenteral, sexual, or perinatal. | ||
== Clinical features == | == Clinical features == | ||
Latest revision as of 13:45, 27 October 2023
The hepatitis D virus is defective, as it lacks certain parts to function. Because of this, it can only cause viral hepatitis when hepatitis B is also present, as the hepatitis D virus requires the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for it to function.
Like hepatitis B and C, transmission is parenteral, sexual, or perinatal.
Clinical features
Coinfection with HBV causes more severe acute hepatitis or fulminant hepatitis, but no increased risk of chronic hepatitis.
Superinfection of a person with chronic HBV increases risk of cirrhosis and accelerates disease progression.
Diagnosis and evaluation
Diagnosis is based on serology. IgM anti-HDV indicates acute infection, while IgG anti-HDV indicates chronic infection.