Viral Profile

 

Name

Hepatitis D virus

Synonyms

Delta agent, Hepatitis Delta virus,

Epidemiology

Endemic in central Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, South America.  Coinfection in about 10% of Hepatitis B infections.

Incubation

3 to 12 weeks

Symptoms

Range from asymptomatic to abrupt onset of fatigue, fever, vomiting, jaundice, and influenza-like illness

Outcome

Increased severity in diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Prevention

Avoid risky sexual and drug use behaviors.  Vaccine development is ongoing.

Treatment

Interferon alpha.