Hepatitis D (HDV) is a rare but serious liver infection that only occurs in people who already have hepatitis B. It can cause more severe liver damage, but with the right care, it can be prevented and managed. You can only get hepatitis D if you already have hepatitis B, as the hepatitis D virus needs hepatitis B to survive and grow in your body. You can be infected with both viruses at the same time (co-infection), or get hepatitis D later if you already have hepatitis B (superinfection). There are two types of hepatitis D:
- Acute hepatitis D: This is a short-term infection that can be treated by the patient’s immune system alone.
- Chronic hepatitis D: This is a long-term infection that occurs when the immune system is unable to fight the viral infection.
Having both hepatitis B and D can lead to faster and more severe liver damage, increasing the risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer, as the disease often progresses more quickly than hepatitis B alone.
How does hepatitis D spread?
Hepatitis D spreads the same way as hepatitis B, through blood or bodily fluids. This includes:
- Sharing needles or drug equipment
- Unprotected intimate connections
- Unsterile medical, piercing, or tattoo equipment
- From mother to baby during childbirth
If you have hepatitis B, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested for hepatitis D, especially if you were born in or have lived in regions where hepatitis D is more common, such as Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, or South America. Also, if you have risk factors like injection drug use, blood transfusions in certain countries, or unsafe tattooing or piercing.
