Topic Overview
Infection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV), or delta agent,
occurs only in people who are already infected with the
hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- HDV infection may make HBV infection more
severe.
- In people who have long-term (chronic) HBV infection,
HDV infection can make liver disease worse. Or it can cause a
person who did not have symptoms before to develop liver problems more
rapidly.
- Some people who have hepatitis D also have severe
hepatitis B.
-
Vaccination
(What is a PDF document?)
against hepatitis B will also prevent hepatitis D virus infection.
- Hepatitis D virus infection is rare in the United
States.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
|
Last Revised
|
October 29, 2012 |