Hepatitis D
Topic Overview
Infection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV), or delta agent, occurs only in people who are already infected with the Reference hepatitis B Opens New Window virus (HBV).
- HDV infection may make HBV infection more severe.
- In people who have long-term (chronic) HBV infection, HDV infection can make liver disease worse. Or it can cause a person who did not have symptoms before to develop liver problems more rapidly.
- Some people who have hepatitis D also have severe hepatitis B.
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Vaccination
(What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?)
against hepatitis B will also prevent hepatitis D virus infection. - Hepatitis D virus infection is rare in the United States.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 29, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Reference W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
|
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