Hepatitis D Flashcards
What is the aetiology behind HDV?
Incomplete viral particle resembling a viroid
Defedctrive single stranded RNA delta virus
Requires the HBsAg coat of HBV to enter into host cells
What is the transmission for HDV?
Sexual
Parenteral
Perinatal
What is the incubation period for HDV?
Coinfection - 1-6 months
Superinfection - 2-8 weeks
What are the clinical features of HDV?
Similar to acute HBV infection
What is the course of HDV?
Coinfection with HBV usual lofty leads to more severe acute hepatitis
Superinfections of a chronic HBsAg carrier increases risk of liver cirrhosis and accelerates disease progression
What are the complications of HDV?
Identical to HBV
What is the treatment for HDV?
High dose interferon Alfa 9MU 3x a week for 122 months may be associated weight a sustained loss of HDV replication and clinical improvements in up to 50% of patients
