|
Delta agent (Hepatitis D) |
| Definition: |
| Hepatitis D infection involves a defective viral agent that causes symptoms only in association with hepatitis B infection.
|
| Alternative Names: |
| Hepatitis D virus
|
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
|
Hepatitis D virus may increase the severity of an acute hepatitis B infection, aggravate previously existing hepatitis Bliver disease, or cause symptoms in previously asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers. Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide, occuring in 5% of people with hepatitis B. Risk factors include the following:
|
| Symptoms: |
|
Hepatitis D may increase the severity of symptoms associated with all forms of hepatitis B. |
| Signs and tests: |
|
| Treatment: |
|
Treatment is the same as for hepatitis B. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
|
Expectations are similar to those of acute hepatitis B. The acute illness usually subsides over 2 to 3 weeks, and the liver enzyme levels return to baseline within 16 weeks. About 10% of people infected may develop chronic hepatitis. |
| Complications: |
|
| Calling your health care provider: |
|
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hepatitis B occur. |
| Prevention: |
|
Prompt recognition and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D. Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If IV drugs are used, avoid sharing needles. There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis B and should be considered by people who are at risk due to IV drug use, exposure to blood products, or sexual behaviors. |
Reviewed By: Eleftherios Mylonakis, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 |
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). |
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
