Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D—also called delta hepatitis—is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). Unlike other forms of hepatitis, it can’t infect people on its own. Instead, it only develops in those who already have hepatitis B (HBV).

Hepatitis D is the most serious of the five types of viral hepatitis.

Types

Coinfection: A coinfection happens when you’re infected with hepatitis D (HDV) and hepatitis B (HBV) at the same time. The symptoms are the same as hepatitis B, but they can be more severe when both viruses occur together.

Superinfection: A hepatitis D superinfection happens when a person who already has hepatitis B (HBV) later contracts hepatitis D (HDV). This can cause symptoms to return or become more severe, and superinfections are more likely to lead to long-term illness.

Prevention

The best way to prevent hepatitis d is to get the hep B vaccine. Additionally, these measures can also help:

• Practice safe sex
• Avoid sharing needles
• Use clean personal items
• Avoid contact with infected body fluids
• If positive for hep B, taking antiviral medications

Symptoms

The symptoms of hepatitis can differ in how severe they are, and some people may not show any symptoms at all. The most common ones include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Pale or clay-colored stools
• Dark urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Joint pain
• Fever

Treatment

There is currently no cure for hepatitis D. Acute HDV infections may resolve on their own without treatment. For chronic hepatitis D, treatment options may include:

• Peginterferon injections: A medication that helps the immune system fight the infection
• Liver transplant: Recommended if the liver has sustained severe damage