Hepatitis D is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis D virus. This particle is so small, that it is, in fact, classified as a subviral particle, a virusoid. A virusoid is, by definition, a small, circular RNA which isn't able to replicate on its own. The RNA in virusoids is so small that it doesn't code any proteins and instead relies on other viruses to do that job for them.
Because of this, virusoids cannot cause an infection on their own. Hepatitis D needs the hepatitis B virus to replicate, which means that the only way to get infected with this disease is to either have an ongoing, chronic hepatitis B infection, or to catch both viruses at the same time.
How is hepatitis D spread?
Hepatitis D and hepatitis B share the routes of transmission, and both diseases are spread via blood and other bodily fluids. The most common way this disease is spread is by sharing needles and syringes, when using IV drugs. Other ways to abuse drugs, such as sniffing drugs, put a person at risk of getting infected too, as microscopic drops of blood or other fluids containing the virus can stay on the equipment and cause an infection. Sharing personal equipment, such as razors or toothbrushes, can lead to an infection as well.
Hepatitis D can further be transmitted sexually. Although rare, an infection can pass from mother to child too. Getting tattoos or piercings in unsafe or unsanitary conditions can get you infected.
Hepatitis D: Coinfection vs superinfection
The form the disease will take depends on wether the patient got infected with both disease at the same time (coinfection), or they already had a chronic hepatitis B infection when hepatitis D infection occurred (superinfection).
Co-infection leads to an acute form of the disease. This form of disease can be unpleasant, or even severe, but in 95 percent of cases, it is cured within a few months. Rarely, it can cause acute liver failure. About five percent of patients develop a chronic form of hepatitis D.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis D?
The liver is a large organ that has a lot of functions, such as processing food and toxins, storing vitamins and minerals, and producing proteins and blood clotting factors, among others. Hepatitis D is a disease that affects the liver. As the liver deteriorates, it slowly loses its function, leading to a number of symptoms.
The symptoms to hepatitis D include:
- Pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Joint pain
- Jaundice
- Light stool
- Dark urine
- Hives
- Getting bruises easily
- Prolonged bleeding time
How can I know if I contracted hepatitis D?
Some parts of the population are at greater risk of contracting the disease. These risk groups include:
- IV drug users
- Sex workers
- Chronic hepatitis B patients
- People with tattoos and piercings
How can hepatitis D be treated?
There are some antivirals that can be used to fight hepatitis D, but the success rate is low. In the case of liver failure, a liver transplantation can be an option. New drugs and strategies to fight this disease are currently being tested.
How can hepatitis D be prevented?
Aside from a vaccine, there are other ways a person can lower the risk of getting infected. Since hepatitis D is largely associated to IV drug use, it is very important not to share equipment with other users if you do use drugs in this way. Not sharing your personal equipment is also a way to stay safe. If you plan on getting a piercing or a tattoo, be sure to do it in safe and sanitary conditions, and be sure that the artist is using sterile equipment. Since hepatitis D is also a sexually transmitted disease, practicing safe sex, and avoiding risky, behavior will help keep you safe.