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Delta agent (Hepatitis D)



Hepatitis B virus
Hepatitis B virus


Delta agent (Hepatitis D)

Definition:

Hepatitis D infection involves a defective viral agent that causes symptoms only in association with hepatitis B infection.


Alternative Names:
Hepatitis D virus
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hepatitis D virus mayworsen an acute hepatitis B infectionor existing hepatitis B liver disease. It can cause symptoms in previously asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers.



Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in 5% of people with hepatitis B.

Risk factors include:

  • Previous hepatitis B infection
  • Being a carrier of hepatitis B
  • Receiving many blood transfusions
  • Intravenous drug abuse




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