Hepatitis D.pdf

Hepatitis D
Description
Hepatitis is a general term meaning inflammation of the liver and
can be caused by a variety of different viruses such as hepatitis
A, B, C, D and E. Since the development of jaundice is a
characteristic feature of liver disease, a correct diagnosis can only
be made by testing patients’ sera for the presence of specific
antigens and anti-viral antibodies.

Also referred to as hepatitis D virus (HDV) and classified as
Hepatitis delta virus, is a disease caused by a small circular
enveloped RNA virus. It is one of five known hepatitis viruses: A,
B, C, D, and E. HDV is considered to be a sub viral satellite
because it can propagate only in the presence of the hepatitis B
virus (HBV). Transmission of HDV can occur either via
simultaneous infection with HBV (coinfection) or superimposed
on chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis B carrier state
(superinfection).




The virus like delta agent was subsequently shown to be
associated with the most severe forms of acute and chronic
hepatitis in many HBsAg-positive patients. The disease it caused
was designated delta or type D hepatitis.

Causes