Hepatitis D is an infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), causing inflammation of the liver and symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin and eyes.
This type of hepatitis usually affects people who have hepatitis B, because the hepatitis D virus uses the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to multiply and infect liver cells. Learn more about hepatitis B.
The treatment of hepatitis D, also known as hepatitis delta, is carried out by a hepatologist or infectious disease specialist and varies according to the severity of the infection, and the use of medication or a liver transplant may be indicated.
Symptoms of hepatitis D
The main symptoms of hepatitis D are:
- Fever;
- Dor abdominal;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Yellow skin and eyes;
- Clear urine and dark stools;
- Bruising or easy bleeding;
- Mental confusion.
Like other hepatitis, hepatitis D may not present initial symptoms, however, symptoms may appear approximately 2 to 7 weeks after the initial infection, in the case of acute hepatitis, due to the damage caused by the virus to the liver. Learn about the main types of hepatitis.
It is important to consult a hepatologist, infectious disease specialist or general practitioner whenever symptoms of hepatitis D appear, so that the most appropriate treatment can be diagnosed and initiated.
Make an appointment with a hepatologist in the nearest region:
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Online symptom test
To find out your risk of having hepatitis D, select the symptoms you may be experiencing from the test below:
The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace consultation with a hepatologist, infectious disease specialist or general practitioner.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of hepatitis D is made by a hepatologist, infectious disease specialist or general practitioner through the evaluation of symptoms, history of hepatitis B infection, as well as a general health history and physical examination.
In addition, the doctor must order tests, such as anti-HDV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM), which normally have high levels, in addition to tests that assess the health of the liver. See the main tests that evaluate the liver.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor must also request an RT-PCR test to assess the presence of hepatitis D virus RNA in the blood.
How transmission happens
Transmission of the hepatitis D virus occurs through:
- Direct contact with the blood and secretions of an infected person;
- Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person;
- Sharing personal hygiene objects such as razors or waxing blades and manicure or pedicure instruments;
- Material contaminated with blood or secretions such as needles, instruments used for tattooing, acupuncture, piercings or medical or dental procedures;
- Blood transfusion (more related to the period before 1993).
- Blood transfusion before 1993, since during that period blood testing for the hepatitis D virus was not yet carried out;
Furthermore, despite being rarer, the hepatitis D virus can be transmitted to the baby during birth.
Why does hepatitis D need B?
Hepatitis D needs hepatitis B because it uses its surface antigen HBsAg so that it can multiply and infect liver cells.
Therefore, hepatitis D occurs in people with hepatitis B.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of hepatitis D must be carried out under the guidance of a hepatologist, infectious disease specialist or general practitioner, who may recommend the use of medicines such as alpha interferon, once a week for at least 1 year.
This medicine aims to prevent the virus from multiplying and prevent liver damage.
If the infection progresses and causes cirrhosis of the liver, the doctor may recommend a liver transplant. Find out how a liver transplant is performed.
Is hepatitis D curable?
Hepatitis D has no cure, as there are no medicines that are capable of eliminating the hepatitis D virus, but only controlling its multiplication.
How to avoid hepatitis D
To avoid hepatitis D, it is recommended:
- Get the hepatitis B vaccinesince hepatitis D virus infection is associated with hepatitis B infection;
- Use condom in all sexual relations;
- Do not share needles and syringes;
- Do not share personal objectssuch as razors, toothbrushes or manicure or pedicure instruments, such as pliers, for example.
In the case of getting a tattoo, piercing, acupuncture or medical or dental procedures, you must make sure that all materials are correctly sterilized and that needles and syringes are disposable.
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