Delta agent (Hepatitis D)
Alternate Names : Hepatitis D virus
Definition
Delta agent is a type of virus called hepatitis D that causes symptoms only in people who have a hepatitis B infection.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is only found in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make a hepatitis B infection or existing hepatitis B liver disease worse. It can cause symptoms in people with hepatitis B virus who never had symptoms. Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in 5% of people with hepatitis B.
Risk factors include: - Abusing intravenous (IV) drugs
- Being infected while pregnant (the mother can pass the virus to the baby)
- Carrying the hepatitis B virus
- Having had a hepatitis B infection in the past
- Men having intercourse with other men
- Receiving many blood transfusions
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