Hepatitis D infection involves a defective viral agent that causes symptoms only in association with hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis D virus may worsen an  acute hepatitis B infection or existing hepatitis B liver disease. It can cause symptoms in previously asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers.

Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in 5% of people with hepatitis B.

Risk factors include:

• Previous hepatitis B infection
• Being a carrier of hepatitis B
• Receiving many blood transfusions
• Intravenous drug abuse

Hepatitis D may increase the severity of symptoms associated with all forms of hepatitis B.

• Liver enzymes are elevated.
• Anti-delta agent antibody is positive.
• Liver biopsy shows acute hepatitis.

Treatment is the same as for hepatitis B.

Expectations are similar to those of acute hepatitis B. The acute illness usually subsides over 2 to 3 weeks, and the liver enzyme levels return to baseline within 16 weeks.

About 10% of people infected may develop chronic hepatitis.

• Chronic active hepatitis
• Fulminant hepatitis

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hepatitis B occur.

Prompt recognition and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D.

Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, avoid sharing needles.

There is a vaccine available to prevent hepatitis B and should be considered by people who are at risk due to IV drug use, exposure to blood products, or sexual behaviors.