Medical Health Encyclopedia

Delta agent (Hepatitis D)

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Hepatitis B virus

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

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

Text Continues Below

---

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Hepatitis D virus may worsen an  acute hepatitis B infection or 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

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.