INFECTIOUS DISEASES - Viral Hepatitis D

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Viral Hepatitis D

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

jaundice
fatigue
abdominal pain
loss of appetite

nausea, vomiting
joint pain
dark (tea colored) urine

CAUSE

Hepatitis D virus (HDV)

LONG-TERM EFFECTS
WITHOUT VACCINATION

HDV can be acquired either as
- a co-infection (occurs simultaneously) with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or
- as a superinfection in persons with existing chronic HBV infection.
HBV-HDV co-infection:
- may have more severe acute disease and a higher risk (2%-20%) of developing acute liver failure compared with those infected with HBV alone
HBV-HDV superinfection
- chronic HBV carriers who acquire HDV superinfection usually develop chronic HDV infection
  - progression to cirrhosis is believed to be more common with HBV/HDV chronic infections

TRANSMISSION

Occurs when blood from an infected person enters the body of a person who is not immune.
HBV is spread through having sex with an infected person without using a condom (the efficacy of latex condoms in preventing infection with HBV is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission);
By sharing drugs, needles, or "works" when "shooting" drugs;
Through needlesticks or sharps exposures on the job; or
From an infected mother to her baby during birth.

RISK GROUPS

Injection drug users
Men who have sex with men
Haemodialysis patients
Sex contacts of infected persons

Health care and public safety workers
Infants born to infected mothers
(very rare)

PREVENTION

Hepatitis B vaccination
HBV-HDV coinfection
- pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis (hepatitis B immune globulin or vaccine) to prevent HBV infection
HBV-HDV superinfection
- education to reduce risk behaviours among persons with chronic HBV infection

VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS

Hepatitis B vaccine should be given to prevent HBV/HDV co-infection

TREATMENT & MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

Acute HDV infection
- Supportive care
Chronic HDV infection
- interferon-alfa
- liver transplant

TRENDS & STATISTICS

Routine surveillance data are not available.

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