Hepatitis D: Overview, Risks, and Prevention
What is Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D is a viral infection that only affects individuals already infected with hepatitis B. The hepatitis D virus requires the hepatitis B virus to survive in the body.
Prevalence
Hepatitis D virus is uncommon in the UK but is more prevalent in certain regions including parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
Risks
If someone is co-infected with hepatitis D and hepatitis B, it can increase their risk of developing serious medical conditions such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.
- Up to 10% of hepatitis B carriers have antibodies against hepatitis D virus.
- Co-infection rarely leads to chronic disease, but it increases the likelihood of fulminant hepatitis, a severe liver condition.
- Fulminant hepatitis involves massive liver necrosis and can lead to a decrease in liver size.
Prognosis
If an individual has both hepatitis B and D viruses, their prognosis worsens. Even mild hepatitis can progress to more severe forms, often leading to cirrhosis.
Prevention
There is no specific vaccine for hepatitis D, but the hepatitis B vaccine can provide protection against hepatitis D as well. Vaccination against hepatitis B is crucial for prevention.
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