3.13.4. Liver + Biliary Tree Disease - Viral Hepatitis - D Flashcards
What causes Hepatitis D infection?
A Parenteral Virus (HDV)
How does HDV enter into the Bloodstream?
- It is a Parenternal Virus -
Transmitted through Blood-Blood contact - It is a Co/Super-infection and is transferred with HBV
How are most Blood-Blood (Parenternal) Viruses transmitted?
- I.V. Drug Abusers
2. Sex
What type of disease does HDV cause?
Chronic Liver Disease
What is the Structure of the Hepatitis D Virus?
This does not code for its own Protein Coat, it is enveloped by the HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen)
What is the result of the Hepatits D Virus being enveloped by the HBsAg (Not coding for it’s own protein coat)?
- It makes it very difficult to treat
- It has the same pathology as Hepatitis B
- It has the same Anti-bodies produced against the HBsAg, exept for the Hepatitis D Virus itself, which is the Anti-HDV Antibody
What are the Clinical Signs of Hepatitis D?
- Hepatomegaly
- Lymphadenopathy
- Deranged Enzymes
- Jaundice
- Hepatitis B infection
Why does Hepatomegaly occur?
Due to the Inflammation of the Liver caused by the HBV / HDV infection
Why does Lymphadenopathy occur?
This is due to the Immune response to the HBV / HDV infection
Why do Deranged Enzymes appear?
Due to the potential impairment of the Hepatic Function
What type of Jaundice occurs?
Intrahepatic
Why does Jaundice occur?
Due to the damage of Hepatocytes, they cannot effectively deal with Bilirubin and so there is a back-up into the Blood
What are the Symptoms of HDV infection?
The same as HBV infection:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Anorexia
Why does Nausea and Vomiting occur in an HBV / HDV infection?
Due to this being an infection of an Accessory Organ of the Alimenatry Tract, this is the body’s natural response
Why does Anorexia occur?
Due to the associated Nausea and Vomiting
