Hepatitis delta virus

Biology : Viruses

Classification: Group V virus

Commonly known as HDV.

 

Pathogenesis

This is an example of a satellite virus. This term means that it lacks the machinery to replicate alone, but it can replicate in the presence of another pathogen.

HDV is only active in hosts who are already infected with hepatitis B virus. There are two possibilities.

1. The host may be infected by fluid containing both viruses (co-infection). 
2. A patient with chronic HBV infection may be infected a second time with HDV (superinfection).

The immune system reacts to the virus, producing viral hepatitis.   

 

Complications

• In 80-90% chronic viral hepatitis
• In 5% fulminant liver failure

 

Prognosis

• The mortality rate for HBV+HDV co-infection is 20%. 
• This is the highest mortality rate of all the potential hepatitis viral infections.

 

Routes of transmission

• Intravenous drug use with contaminated equipment
• Infusion of contaminated blood products

 

Epidemiology

• At least 5% of HBV infected patients have a HDV co-infection. 
• There is an estimated total of 15 – 20 million persons infected with HDV worldwide. 

See also 

• World Health Organisation fact sheet