The hepatitis D virus depends on another virus, namely the one that causeshepatitis B, to reproduce itself.
In either case, this double whammy can lead to serious problems.
(1)
Hepatitis D can cause an acute or chronic infection, or both.
This could be several years after the initial infection.
(2)
Although it is rare, hepatitis D can be passed from mother to child during birth.
(2)
People cant get hepatitis D through everyday close contact that doesnt involve blood or bodily fluids.
(2)
Other Types of Viral Hepatitis
How Is Hepatitis D Diagnosed?
Liver enzyme levels typically return to normal within four months.
(4)
About 10 percent of people infected with hepatitis D develop a chronic liver infection.
The overall mortality rate of hepatitis D is unclear, with estimates placing it between 2 and 20 percent.
As with most forms of hepatitis, prevention is the best strategy.
If a persons liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant may become necessary.
While treatment options for hepatitis D are limited, new medications are being studied.
Those used to treat disease are human interferons manufactured using recombinant DNA technology.
Its important to note that the hepatitis B vaccine is only effective at preventing coinfection, not superinfection.
Scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, which blocks the flow of blood.
Gradually, the liver is able to function less and less.
This condition could lead to death and needs immediate and urgent medical attention.
Liver failure can be triggered by cirrhosis or malnutrition.
(12)
Research and Statistics: How Many People Have Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D was first identified as a distinct form of hepatitis in 1977.
(13) A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2020 estimated its worldwide prevalence at 12 million people.
That would correspond to approximately 357,000 people in the United States with a past or ongoing hepatitis D infection.
There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis B. Connie is Boston-based freelance writer who focuses on science and current events.
