Hepatitis D is a viral infection of the liver that can only be acquired if a person has active hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is linked directly to hepatitis B, particularly to chronic hepatitis Binfection
How is it transmitted?
The modes of transmission are similar to those for hepatitis B. However, sexual transmission of hepatitis D is less common than for hepatitis B.
Hepatitis D can only infect people with active hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis D is passed most often through sharing IV drug needles with an infected person.
People receiving clotting factor concentrates may also be at a higher risk.
Transmission of hepatitis D from mother to child during birth is rare
What are the symptoms?
Many with both hepatitis B and hepatitis D may or may not develop symptoms. When present, symptoms are similar to those of hepatitis B.
People with both hepatitis B and hepatitis D are more likely to have sudden, severe symptoms, called fulminant hepatitis.
Those who are infected with both hepatitis B and hepatitis D are at greater risk for developing serious complications associated with chronic liver disease.
People infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis B may become chronically infected and may be contagious from time to time for the rest of their lives.
How is hepatitis D diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can test for hepatitis D through blood tests that identify hepatitis D virus antigen or antibodies.
How is hepatitis D treated?
Most people with acute viral hepatitis experience a self-limited illness (one that runs a defined, limited course) and go on to recover completely. There is no accepted therapy, nor restrictions on diet or activity.
People with chronic hepatitis B and D can be treated with interferon. Your healthcare provider can help you make decisions about your care needs based upon your medical history and liver condition.
In most cases, hospitalization should be considered for patients who are severely ill for supportive care.
What does it mean for my health?
Hepatitis D, can cause a more severe acute disease than a hepatitis B infection alone. The severity of the diseases together can result in death.
When hepatitis D is acquired and hepatitis B infection already exists, chronic liver diseases with cirrhosis are more likely to occur than with an hepatitis B infection alone.
People with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis D have a greater chance of developing chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
How can I prevent hepatitis D?
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B. This also provides protection against hepatitis D since hepatitis B must be present in order for hepatitis D infection to occur.
If you inject drugs and can't stop, avoid sharing your works--needles, syringes, cotton, water, spoons, pots (cookers)--or any other drug paraphernalia. If you choose to share your works, clean them with water and bleach, filling syringes for at least 30 seconds.
Use latex condoms the right way every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Even though hepatitis D is not commonly transmitted through sex, hepatitis B is, and having hepatitis B makes it possible to get hepatitis D.
Talking to a partner
When you and your partner understand how hepatitis D is passed, you can both agree to protect your health. Remember:
Hepatitis D is very rarely sexually transmitted, but using latex condoms the right way every time for vaginal, oral and anal sex greatly reduces the risk of passing or getting a sexually transmitted infection, like hepatitis B.
If your partner uses injecting drugs, talk to them about stopping.
If you inject drugs and can't stop, avoid sharing your works--needles, syringes, cotton, water, spoons, pots (cookers)--or any other drug paraphernalia. If you choose to share your works, clean them with water and bleach, filling syringes for at least 30 seconds.
