Related articles: Hepatitis D
Definition
Hepatitis D is an infectious disease of the liver, caused by the Delta virus (or hepatitis D virus, HDV).
HDV is a defective RNA pathogen, as it can only replicate in the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The disease, therefore, can occur only in the case of a simultaneous infection with hepatitis B and D virus ( coinfection ) or for an HDV superinfection in a chronic HBV carrier.
The modes of transmission are the same as those of hepatitis B, ie by contact with blood or body fluids, such as sperm and vaginal secretions, of an infected person. In general, the infection takes place due to unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of needles and syringes for the inoculation of drugs and the promiscuous use of personal care items (toothbrush, scissors and razors). Maternal-fetal transmission is also possible.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Anorexia
- Ascites
- Asthenia
- Increased transaminases
- Chills
- Cachexia
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- Articolar pains
- Muscle pains
- Edema
- Hepatomegaly
- Temperature
- I made clear
- Abdominal swelling
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Portal hypertension
- Jaundice
- Leukopenia
- Headache
- Nausea
- Urticaria
- thrombocytopenia
- itch
- splenomegaly
- Dark urine
- He retched
Further indications
In case of co-infection, the incubation period of hepatitis D varies from 45 to 160 days after exposure to the virus. In superinfection, however, symptoms may appear in 2-8 weeks.
HDV and HBV co-infection occurs as an acute hepatitis B, but with unusually severe symptoms. The manifestations can include: fatigue, lack of appetite, fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, arthralgia, dark urine, jaundice and general malaise. On the other hand, superinfection worsens the course of chronic hepatitis B, increasing the possibility of evolution towards cirrhosis. Hepatitis D also increases the risk of rapid evolution into a potentially fatal fulminant form.
The presence of hepatitis D virus can be ascertained by the identification of anti-HDV antibodies (HDV-Ab IgM), that indicate an ongoing infection.
Treatment of hepatitis D involves the administration of interferon-alpha at high doses and over a long period of time, but the drug is not always effective. In case of severe infection, liver transplantation may be necessary.
At present, no specific vaccine against HDV is available, however HBV vaccination also indirectly protects against hepatitis D virus.
