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, hepatitis D virus 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.
- Vaccination against hepatitis B will prevent hepatitis D virus infection.
- Hepatitis D virus infection is rare in the United States.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. Thomas London, MD - Hepatology |
| Last Updated | October 15, 2007 |
Author:Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Last Updated: 10/15/2007
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