Delta Agent (Hepatitis D)
Alternate Names : Hepatitis D Virus
DefinitionHepatitis D infection involves a defective viral agent that causes symptoms only in association with hepatitis B infection.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Hepatitis D virus may increase the severity of an acute hepatitis B infection, aggravate previously existing hepatitis B liver disease, or cause symptoms in previously asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers.
Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide, occuring in 5% of people with hepatitis B.
Risk factors include the following:
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Previous hepatitis B infection
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Being a carrier of hepatitis B
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Receiving many blood transfusions
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