Curriculum · Gastroenterology
Hepatitis D
What it is
Hepatitis D is an incomplete RNA virus that requires hepatitis B surface antigen to complete its replication and transmission cycle. It cannot therefore stand alone: HDV coinfection only occurs with HBV, and it may also superinfect a patient who already carries HBV.
Causes and risk
HDV is transmitted in a similar fashion to hepatitis B, by exchange of bodily fluids. It is found in IVDA, and the risk is high in an HBsAg carrier.
How it is diagnosed
Two tests are given for the diagnosis: reverse PCR of hepatitis D RNA, and Anti-HDV IgM.