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. |