The Delta virus that causes Hepatitis D affects the liver, causing it to become inflamed. The swelling can significantly affect the functioning of the liver, potentially causing long term issues, including cancer and liver scarring. The hepatitis D virus (HDV) is the main cause of the condition. While rare in this country, it is common in the Mediterranean, Central Asia, the Pacific Islands, Russia, West Africa, and South America.

Types of Hepatitis:

There are various forms of hepatitis:

1. Hep A, which is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with fecal matter

2. Hep B, which is transmitted through exposure to bodily fluids, including semen, urine, and blood

3. Hep C, which is transmitted through blood contact

4. Hep D, which is discussed in this article

4. Hep E, which is transmitted through indirect contact with fecal matter. This is a short term condition that resolves itself.

Hepatitis D Causes, Symptoms, Signs, and Treatments:

While Hepatitis D is rare in this country, it is still important to be aware of the hepatitis D causes, symptoms, signs, and treatments. The first thing to know is that only those who already have Hep B can get it. Hep D can be chronic or acute. The later is sudden and usually more severe, although it may be self-resolving. If someone has a hep D infection for at least six months, then it has become chronic. This usually develops gradually, with patients often being asymptomatic for several months. The infection will progress, making the symptoms more severe. Usually, cirrhosis, which is severe liver scarring, will occur.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or cure for Hep D. However, because the hepatitis D causes, symptoms, signs, and treatments are now better understood, it is preventable in people who don't have hep B. Additionally, while treatment may not cure it, it can prevent liver failure.

The Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis D:

Hepatitis D can be asymptomatic for a long time. Common symptoms that eventually do occur include:

  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

These are essentially the same as the hep B symptoms, which is why it is often hard to recognize the infection is present. Sometimes, Hep D can also worsen the Hep B symptoms. Furthermore, if people have asymptomatic Hep B, it can lead to them experiencing symptoms all of a sudden.

Hepatitis D Treatment:

There is no single drug that can treat chronic Hep D. Antiviral medications do not appear to be effective. Interferon, in high dosages, is usually prescribed for a year. This is a protein that can lead to a remission by stopping the spread of the virus. However, patients will often continue to test positive for Hep D. This means they must continue to ensure they don't transmit it, and they must watch for new symptoms.

Once people develop liver damage, a transplant may be needed. This is major surgery, and finding a donor can be very difficult. In 78% of cases, liver transplant patients survive for more than five years after they have the operation. However, a liver transplant also does not cure the disease.