Hepatitis
D
(HDV - Hepatitis D
Virus)
What are the signs or symptoms of hepatitis D?
What is the treatment for hepatitis D?
Do I need to talk to my partner about hepatitis D?
What
is hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D (HDV) is a viral infection of the liver that can only be acquired
if a person has active hepatitis B (HBV).
How
common is hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D is linked directly to hepatitis B, particularly to chronic
HBV infection. There are particular
pockets worldwide where chronic HBV infection is high, but a HDV infection
is low or uncommon, such as Southeast Asia and China.
How can I get hepatitis D?
- The modes of HDV transmission are similar to those for HBV. However, sexual transmission of HDV is less common than for HBV.
- Hepatitis D can only infect people with an active HBV infection.
- HDV 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 HDV from mother to child during birth is rare.
- Many with both HBV and HDV may or may not develop symptoms. When present, symptoms are similar to those of HBV.
- People with both HBV and HDV are more likely to have sudden, severe symptoms, called fulminant hepatitis.
- Those who are infected with both HBV and HDV are at greater risk for developing serious complications associated with chronic liver disease.
- People infected with HBV and HDV may become chronically infected and may be contagious from time to time for the rest of their lives.
How can I find out if I have hepatitis D?
Your health care provider can test for hepatitis D through blood tests that identify HDV antigens or HDV antibodies.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B. This also provides protection against HDV since hepatitis B must be present in order for a HDV infection to occur.
- If you inject drugs, avoid sharing needles, syringes, cotton, water, spoons, pots (cookers)--or any other drug paraphernalia. If you choose to share, clean them with water and bleach to reduce your risk of getting hepatitis C, filling syringes for at least 30 seconds.
- Use latex condoms the right way every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Even though HDV is not commonly transmitted through sex, hepatitis B is, and having hepatitis B makes it possible to get HDV.
- 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 health care 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.
Why worry about hepatitis D?
- Hepatitis D can cause a more severe acute disease than a HBV infection alone. The severity of the diseases together can result in death.
- When hepatitis D is acquired and HBV infection already exists, chronic liver diseases with cirrhosis are more likely to occur than with an HBV infection alone.
- People with chronic HBV and HDV have a greater chance of developing chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
Do I need to talk to my partner about hepatitis D?
Yes. 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; however, using latex condoms the right way every time for vaginal, oral and anal sex greatly reduces the risk of passing or getting hepatitis B and other STD's.
- If your partner uses injecting drugs, talk to them about stopping.
- If you inject drugs and can't stop, avoid sharing needles, syringes, cotton, water, spoons, pots (cookers)--or any other drug paraphernalia. If you choose to share, clean them with water and bleach to reduce your risk of getting hepatitis C, filling syringes for at least 30 seconds.
Should I talk to my health care provider about hepatitis D?
You should talk to your health care provider about hepatitis D if:
- You use injected drugs and share your needles or works.
- You have received clotting factor concentrates.
- You or your partner has hepatitis B.
Remember: Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B helps prevent an HDV infection as well.
More
Information on hepatitis and other STD's
For additional questions about this or any other STD's and other diseases,
CDC (Centers for Disease Control) provides several toll-free hotlines for public
use. The hotlines provide referrals and more answers to your questions. Be
sure to request free printed information when you call the hotlines.
-
CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines:
1-800-342-2437 or 1-800-227-8922. The hotlines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For Spanish call 1-800-344-7432, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. eastern standard time, seven days a week. For the deaf and hard-of-hearing call 1-800-243-7889, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. eastern standard time, Monday through Friday. -
CDC National Immunization Information Hotline:
English 1-800-232-2522 Spanish 1-800-232-0233 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. eastern standard time. For the deaf and hard-of-hearing call 1-800-243-7889. Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. eastern standard time. -
CDC Public Response Hotline (CPR):
English 1-888-246-2675 span 1-888-246-2857 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. eastern standard time 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1-866-874-2646 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. eastern standard time Monday through Friday.