Hepatitis D virus

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a rare liver infection caused by a virus that can only infect people already infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). HDV worsens liver damage, increasing the risk of serious complications like chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. It is transmitted through blood and body fluids, often via contaminated needles, unprotected sex, or sharing personal items. Since HDV depends on hepatitis B to replicate, preventing hepatitis B infection through vaccination effectively also prevents HDV. Managing HDV involves treating hepatitis B and monitoring liver health, as there is no specific antiviral for HDV itself.