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Hepatitis D | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment

What is Hepatitis D?

Hepatitis D | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment

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 can only occur in people who are already infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). HDV is a small, circular RNA virus that requires the HBV surface antigen for its replication. Hepatitis D can cause both acute and chronic liver infection, and can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. It is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, such as through sharing needles or other injection equipment. It is not as common as other forms of viral hepatitis, and there is a vaccine available to protect against hepatitis B, which also provides protection against HDV.

Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D appears with the following signs and symptoms.

  1. Fatigue
  2. Nausea and vomiting
  3. Loss of appetite
  4. Abdominal pain
  5. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  6. Dark urine and clay-coloured stools
  7. Itchy skin
  8. Fever
  9. Weight loss
  10. Bruising easily
  11. Joint pain
  12. Confusion or disorientation
  13. Enlarged liver or spleen
  14. Blood in the stool or urine
  15. Increased risk of liver cancer or cirrhosis.

Causes of Hepatitis D

The Hepatitis D virus is primarily spread through contact with infected blood, such as through sharing needles or other equipment used for injecting drugs, or through receiving a blood transfusion or organ transplant from an infected donor. It can also be spread through sexual contact with an infected person or from mother to baby during childbirth. Individuals who already have hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing hepatitis D, as the HDV virus can only infect those who are already infected with hepatitis B.

Risk Factors of Hepatitis D

There are several factors which may increase the risk of Hepatitis D. Some factors are as follows;

  1. Injection drug use: Sharing needles or other equipment used for injecting drugs increases the risk of contracting hepatitis D.
  2. Sexual contact: Engaging in unprotected sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis D increases the risk of contracting the virus.
  3. Exposure to blood: Being exposed to blood from someone who has hepatitis D, such as through a needlestick injury, increases the risk of contracting the virus.
  4. Chronic hepatitis B: People with chronic hepatitis B are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis D, as the viruses often occur together.
  5. Travel: Traveling to areas with high rates of hepatitis D, such as parts of Africa and Asia, increases the risk of contracting the virus.
  6. Occupational exposure: People who work in healthcare or other fields where they may be exposed to blood and other bodily fluids are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis D.
  7. High-risk sexual behavior: Engaging in high-risk sexual behavior, such as having multiple sexual partners or engaging in unprotected sex, increases the risk of contracting hepatitis D.
  8. Living with an infected person: Living with someone who has hepatitis D increases the risk of contracting the virus.
  9. Transfusion of blood or blood products: People who have received blood transfusions or blood products before 1992 are at a higher risk of contracting hepatitis D.

Complications of Hepatitis D

If not controlled timely Hepatitis D can cause very serious complications like ;

  1. Chronic liver disease: Hepatitis D can lead to chronic liver inflammation, which can lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and liver failure.
  2. Liver cancer: People with chronic hepatitis D are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer.
  3. Acute liver failure: In some cases, hepatitis D can cause acute liver failure, which can be life-threatening.
  4. Coagulopathy: The liver plays a critical role in blood clotting, and hepatitis D can disrupt this process, leading to abnormal bleeding and bruising.
  5. Jaundice: Jaundice is a common symptom of hepatitis D and occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the blood.
  6. Fatigue: People with hepatitis D often experience fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite.
  7. Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms are also common in people with hepatitis D.
  8. Abdominal pain: Some people with hepatitis D may experience pain or discomfort in their abdomen.
  9. Itchy skin: Some people with hepatitis D may experience itchy skin due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.
  10. Autoimmune disorders: People with hepatitis D may be at an increased risk of developing autoimmune disorders, such as autoimmune hepatitis.

How to prevent Hepatitis D

You can prevent Hepatitis D by getting vaccinated. The vaccine is given usually along with the vaccine of HBV. Apart from vaccine, there are several other precautionary measures that can help protect from the infection.

  1. Get vaccinated: The best way to prevent Hepatitis D is to get vaccinated against it. The vaccine is usually given in combination with the Hepatitis B vaccine.
  2. Practice safe sex: Use condoms and practice safe sex to prevent the spread of Hepatitis D through sexual contact.
  3. Avoid sharing needles: Do not share needles or other equipment used to inject drugs. This is a major risk factor for Hepatitis D.
  4. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes or razors to prevent the spread of Hepatitis D.
  5. Get tested: If you have any risk factors for Hepatitis D, such as being infected with Hepatitis B, get tested for the virus.
  6. Avoid alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver and make it more susceptible to infection with Hepatitis D. Limit your alcohol intake or avoid it altogether.
  7. Avoid exposure to contaminated blood: Be careful when handling blood or blood products and take precautions to prevent exposure to contaminated blood.
  8. Get treated if you’re infected: If you are infected with Hepatitis D, get treated as soon as possible to prevent liver damage and other complications.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis D

The visible signs and symptoms give clues to the presence of infection. Your healthcare provider can easily diagnose hepatitis with the help of signs. But as the signs and symptoms of almost all types of hepatitis infection are similar, therefore it becomes pretty difficult to differentiate the types of infection. Some tests and screenings can bring accurate diagnostic results.

The diagnosis of hepatitis D is typically made through a combination of blood tests and medical history.

  1. Blood tests: The most common blood tests used to diagnose hepatitis D include:
  • Hepatitis D antigen (HDAg) test: This test detects the presence of the hepatitis D virus in the blood. A positive result indicates active infection.
  • Hepatitis D antibody (anti-HD) test: This test detects the presence of antibodies to the hepatitis D virus in the blood. A positive result indicates that the person has been exposed to the virus in the past.
  1. Medical history: A person’s medical history can also help in the diagnosis of hepatitis D. Factors such as risk factors (e.g. intravenous drug use, exposure to infected blood products), symptoms (e.g. jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain) and physical examination can also help in the diagnosis of hepatitis D.
  2. Imaging: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI can help in determining the extent of liver damage.
  3. Liver biopsy: A liver biopsy can also be performed to confirm the diagnosis of hepatitis D and to evaluate the extent of liver damage.

It’s important to note that many people with hepatitis D do not have any symptoms and may not know that they are infected. Therefore, it’s important for people at high risk of the virus to get tested regularly.

Treatment of Hepatitis D

Treatment of hepatitis D typically involves the use of antiviral medications such as interferon or nucleoside analogues. These medications work by inhibiting the replication of the hepatitis D virus in the liver.

In addition to antiviral therapy, treatment may also include supportive measures such as rest, a healthy diet, and avoidance of alcohol and drugs that can harm the liver.

In some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary for individuals with severe liver damage caused by hepatitis D.

It is important to note that vaccination against hepatitis B can prevent the development of hepatitis D, as the latter can only occur in individuals who are already infected with hepatitis B.