Hepatitis D (patient information)

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Overview
Delta agent is a type of virus called hepatitis D that causes symptoms only in people who also have a hepatitis B infection.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D may make the symptoms of hepatitis B more severe. Symptoms may include: Exams and Tests
 * Abdominal pain
 * Dark-colored urine
 * Fatigue
 * Jaundice
 * Joint pain
 * Loss of appetite
 * Nausea
 * Vomiting
 * Anti-delta agent antibody
 * Liver biopsy
 * Liver enzymes (blood test)

What causes Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is only found in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make a recent (acute) hepatitis B infection or an existing long-term (chronic) hepatitis B liver disease worse. It can even cause symptoms in people who carry hepatitis B virus but who never had symptoms. Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in 5% 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

Who is at highest risk?
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

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis B.

Diagnosis

 * Anti-delta agent antibody
 * Liver biopsy
 * Liver enzymes (blood test)

Treatment options
Many of the medicines used to treat hepatitis B are not helpful for treating hepatitis D. See hepatitis B. Persons with long-term HDV infection may receive a medicine called alpha interferon for up to 12 months. A liver transplant for end-stage chronic hepatitis B may be effective.

Where to find medical care for Hepatitis D?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hepatitis D

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Persons with an acute HDV infection usually get better over 2 to 3 weeks. Liver enzyme levels return to normal within 16 weeks. About 10% of those who are infected may develop long-term (chronic) liver inflammation (hepatitis).

Possible complications

 * Chronic active hepatitis
 * Fulminant hepatitis

Prevention
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D. Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, avoid sharing needles. A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. Adults who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection, and all children should consider getting this vaccine.

Alternative Names
Hepatitis D virus