What is the significance of hepatitis D superinfection?

HDV superinfection accelerates the progression of chronic HBV in 70%–90% of people, regardless of age (2). Although HDV suppresses the replication of HBV, cirrhosis occurs up to a decade earlier in HDV-superinfected persons compared with those infected with HBV alone (2).

What is a hepatitis D?

Hepatitis D, also known as “delta hepatitis,” is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). Hepatitis D only occurs in people who are also infected with the hepatitis B virus.

Where is Hepatitis D found?

The condition is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). This virus is rare in the United States, but it’s fairly common in the following regions: South America. West Africa.

Where is Hepatitis D endemic?

Prevalence. HDV has a worldwide distribution. It is endemic in the developing world, with a high prevalence in South America. HDV infection is limited to patients who have HBV infection and, like hepatitis B, is acquired parenterally.

Is hepatitis D fatal?

In combination with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis D has the highest fatality rate of all the hepatitis infections, at 20%.

Can hepatitis D be transmitted through saliva?

Hepatitis D virus is transmitted in several ways. It can pass via blood, or contact with other body fluids such as semen, vaginal fluid, or saliva of an infected person.

What is the general prognosis for hepatitis D?

Prognosis of Hepatitis D (5,6) Once a person has cirrhosis, the disease may remain stable for as long as 10 years, although a high percentage of people with chronic hepatitis D and cirrhosis eventually die of acute liver failure or liver cancer unless they get a liver transplant.

Can you get hepatitis D from saliva?

Who is at risk for hepatitis D?

Those who are more likely to have HBV and HDV co-infection include indigenous people, people who inject drugs and people with hepatitis C virus or HIV infection. The risk of co-infection also appears to be potentially higher in recipients of haemodialysis, men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers.

What is the incubation period for hepatitis D?

The incubation period for Hepatitis D superinfection is approximately two to eight weeks. When HBV and HDV viruses infect simultaneously, the incubation period is similar to that of HBV, 45-160 days with an average of 90 days.

Is hepatitis B a venereal disease?

No. Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease, but it is spread in other ways, too. This is a hardy virus that can exist on almost any surface for up to one month. You can get infected through contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids.