How did Hepatitis D start?
History. Hepatitis D virus was first reported in 1977 as a nuclear antigen in patients infected with HBV who had severe liver disease. This nuclear antigen was then thought to be a hepatitis B antigen and was called the delta antigen.
Can you get Hep D alone?
Only people infected with the hepatitis B virus can get hepatitis D. They can become infected with both viruses at the same time (known as “coinfection”) or get hepatitis D after first being infected with hepatitis B virus (known as “superinfection”).
Where is Hepatitis D most common?
Hepatitis D is most common in Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, West and Central Africa, East Asia, and the Amazon Basin in South America.
Who is at risk for hepatitis D?
Risk Factors Hepatitis D can only occur if the person has hepatitis B. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) may infect a person at the same time or HDV infection may occur in persons with chronic HBV infection. Others risk groups include: Injection drug users.
How does HDV replicate?
Similar to plant viroids, HDV replicates its circular RNA genome using a double rolling-circle mechanism. Nevertheless, the production of hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), which is indispensible for HDV replication, is a unique feature distinct from plant viroids, which do not encode any protein.
How is hepatitis D and E transmitted?
Sources: Humans are the reservoir for hepatitis D, which is usually transmitted by contact with blood or body fluids, particularly sharing drug paraphernalia. Humans and animals (swine) are the reservoir for hepatitis E which is transmitted most commonly through fecally contaminated food, water, and environment.
What family does HDV belong to?
HDV is the only virus in the genus, Deltaviridae. HDV is not classified into a viral family because it is a unique virus dependent on HBV. HDV is a co-infection of HBV. The envelope of HDV particles contains the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
Where is hepatitis D endemic?
HDV appears to be endemic in the North of Vietnam; HDV-RNA was found in 15.4% of HBsAg carriers and in 43.3% of those with acute hepatitis (Sy et al. 2013). Variable figures were reported from China.
How can you prevent hepatitis D?
Prevention of hepatitis D
- Avoid sharing drug equipment, such as:
- Practice safe sex.
- Avoid dental, medical or cosmetic procedures that penetrate the skin with unsterilized equipment.
- Wear latex gloves if you are likely to be in contact with someone else’s blood or bodily fluids.
Can Hep D be cured?
There is currently no cure for hepatitis D, but treatment can help people manage the condition. For people with chronic hepatitis D, a doctor will often prescribe a medicine called pegylated interferon-alpha, which reduces the risk of the condition worsening. People will usually take this for at least 48 weeks .
What is the pathogenesis of HDV infection?
The pathogenesis of HDV mainly involves interferon-α signaling inhibition, HDV-specific T-lymphocyte activation and cytokine responses, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor kappa B signaling.