Topic Overview
Infection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV), or delta agent, occurs only in people who are already infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- HDV infection may make HBV infection more severe.
- In people who have long-term (chronic) HBV infection, HDV infection can make liver disease worse. Or it can cause a person who did not have symptoms before to develop liver problems more rapidly.
- Some people who have hepatitis D also have severe hepatitis B.
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Vaccination against hepatitis B will also prevent hepatitis D virus infection.
- Hepatitis D virus infection is rare in the United States.
Credits
Current as of:
September 23, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
W. Thomas London MD - Hepatology