Definition

Delta agent is a type of virus called hepatitis D that causes symptoms only in people who have a hepatitis B infection.

Alternative Names

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is only found in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make a hepatitis B infection or existing hepatitis B liver disease worse. It can cause symptoms in people with hepatitis B virus who never had symptoms.

Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in 5% of people with hepatitis B.

Risk factors include:

• Having a hepatitis B infection in the past
• Carrying the hepatitis B virus
• Receiving many blood transfusions
• Intravenous (IV) drug abuse
• Men having intercourse with other men
• Being infected while pregnant (can pass the virus to the baby)

Symptoms

Hepatitis D may increase the severity of symptoms associated with all forms of hepatitis B.

Symptoms may include:

• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Joint pain
• Dark-colored urine

Signs and tests

• Liver enzymes are higher than normal.
• Anti-delta agent antibody is positive for HDV.
• Liver biopsy shows liver inflammation (hepatitis).

Treatment

The treatment is the same as for hepatitis B. See hepatitis B.

Persons with long-term HDV infection may receive a medicine called alpha interferon or a liver transplant.

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

Persons with an acute HDV infection usually get better over 2 to 3 weeks. Liver enzyme levels return to normal within 16 weeks.

About 10% of those who are infected may develop long-term (chronic) liver inflammation (hepatitis).

Complications

• Chronic active hepatitis
• Fulminant hepatitis

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hepatitis B occur.

Prevention

Prompt recognition and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D.

Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, avoid sharing needles.

A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. It should be considered by people who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection.

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References

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. London: Churchill Livingstone; 2000:1870-1871.

Long SS, Pickering LK, Prober CG. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2003:1097-1101.

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