What is Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D is a virus infection accompanied by inflammation of the liver. This infection occurs simultaneously with Hepatitis B virus (coinfection) or later in individuals already infected with Hepatitis B (superinfection).
The Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is not infectious on its own and can only become active in the presence of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).
Types of Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is caused by the Hepatitis D virus (HDV). This virus can only replicate with the help of the Hepatitis B virus. That is, HDV infection can only occur together with or after an HBV infection.
1. Coinfection: This is the simultaneous infection with Hepatitis B and D viruses. The symptoms usually resemble those of Hepatitis B, but when occurring together, the illness can be more severe.
2. Superinfection: A person who is already a carrier of the Hepatitis B virus subsequently becomes infected with Hepatitis D.
In this case:
- Previous symptoms may recur.
- The disease often progresses to a chronic stage.
- It can cause long-term liver damage.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Symptoms of Hepatitis D are similar to those of other types of hepatitis:
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored feces
- Jaundice of the skin and visible mucous membranes
When HDV is present, the symptoms of Hepatitis B can become more severe.
How is it transmitted?
The viruses can be transmitted through contact with blood and bodily fluids:
- Sexual contact
- Sharing needles and drug paraphernalia
- Accidental needle sticks
- During childbirth (rarely, it can be transmitted from mother to baby)
Risk factors:
The risk of Hepatitis D infection is higher in the following individuals:
- People living with or having sexual contact with someone who is an HBV/HDV carrier
- Individuals who are HBV carriers
- Healthcare workers and other high-risk occupations
- Hemodialysis patients
Possible complications::
- Liver cirrhosis (scarring of liver tissue)
- Liver failure
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
Diagnostics
Blood tests: The virus itself or antibodies against it are detected.
Imaging method: Ultrasound is used to assess the condition of the liver.
Progress and forecast
Acute HDV infections are rarely fatal, but full recovery may take weeks or months. Most patients with superinfection develop chronic hepatitis D. Up to 70% of chronic cases may progress to cirrhosis due to long-term liver damage.
Is prevention possible?
There is no specific vaccine for Hepatitis D. However, the Hepatitis B vaccine also protects against Hepatitis D because HDV is only active in combination with HBV.
Preventive measures:
- Be fully vaccinated (with all doses) against Hepatitis B
For hepatitis B carriers:
- Wear sterile gloves when in contact with blood and body fluids
- Do not share needles and drug equipment
- Not sharing personal hygiene items with others
- If necessary, receive antiviral treatment against HBV: If pregnant women have HBV/HDV, the newborn is given vaccination and treatment after birth.
- Daily life and self-care
- Avoid alcohol – it increases liver damage
- Avoid or quit smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight and eating liver-friendly foods
- Regularly visiting the doctor for check-ups and monitoring test results
- A distinctive feature of Hepatitis D is that this virus cannot be active on its own; it only becomes active in the presence of Hepatitis B. Therefore, all measures taken against Hepatitis B should also prevent Hepatitis D. If you have a chronic infection, regular monitoring and cooperation with your doctor are important to maintain your liver health.