Hepatitis D, also known as “Delta hepatitis,” is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is a rare form of viral hepatitis that occurs only in individuals who are already infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
HDV is a small, circular, single-stranded RNA virus that requires the presence of HBV to replicate. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, such as through sharing needles or from mother to baby during childbirth.
Symptoms of hepatitis D can include fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, and dark urine. It can lead to chronic liver disease and liver failure.
There is currently no specific treatment for HDV infection, but the use of interferon therapy can help to reduce the severity of symptoms.