Hepatitis D: What You Need to Know

What is Hepatitis D?

Hepatitis D, also known as “delta hepatitis,” is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV).
Hepatitis D can be an acute, short-term infection or become a longer term, chronic infection.

Basic Facts

• Hepatitis D only occurs in people who are also infected with the hepatitis B virus
• Hepatitis D is known as a “satellite virus,” because it can only infect people who are also infected by the hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis D infection is uncommon in the United States. Most cases occur among people who migrate or travel to the United States from countries that have high HDV prevalence.

How it Spreads

• Sex with an infected partner
• Injection-drug use that involves sharing needles, syringes, or drug-preparation equipment
• When an HDV-infected mother gives birth (rare)
• Contact with blood from an infected person’s open sores
• Needle sticks or exposures to sharp instruments that have been exposed to HDV
• Sharing items (e.g., razors and toothbrushes) with an infected person

Hepatitis D is not spread through food or water, sharing utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, hand-holding, coughing, or sneezing.

Symptoms

Fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain, and jaundice.

Diagnosis & Treatment

People with hepatitis B are recommended to get tested for hepatitis D. If you are experiencing symptoms of hepatitis D, visit your healthcare provider. A blood test is needed to detect infection with the virus that causes hepatitis D.

Prevention

Although no vaccine is available for hepatitis D, vaccination with the hepatitis B vaccine can protect people from hepatitis D infection.

Source: cdc.gov