Hepatitis D

Question 1

What is the aetiology behind HDV?

Answer 1

Incomplete viral particle resembling a viroid
Defedctrive single stranded RNA delta virus
Requires the HBsAg coat of HBV to enter into host cells

Question 2

What is the transmission for HDV?

Answer 2

Sexual
Parenteral
Perinatal

Question 3

What is the incubation period for HDV?

Answer 3

Coinfection - 1-6 months
Superinfection - 2-8 weeks

Question 4

What are the clinical features of HDV?

Answer 4

Similar to acute HBV infection

Question 5

What is the course of HDV?

Answer 5

Coinfection with HBV usual lofty leads to more severe acute hepatitis
Superinfections of a chronic HBsAg carrier increases risk of liver cirrhosis and accelerates disease progression

Question 6

What are the complications of HDV?

Answer 6

Identical to HBV

Question 7

What is the treatment for HDV?

Answer 7

High dose interferon Alfa 9MU 3x a week for 122 months may be associated weight a sustained loss of HDV replication and clinical improvements in up to 50% of patients