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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:

  • Previous hepatitis B infection
  • Being a carrier of hepatitis B
  • Receiving many blood transfusions
  • Intravenous drug abuse


Review Date: 11/9/2002
Reviewed By: Eleftherios Mylonakis, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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