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Hepatitis D: what is it, who needs the test and what are the indications for it?
Hepatitis D is an infectious disease caused by the Hepatitis D Virus (HDV). This virus is unique in that it cannot multiply without the simultaneous presence of the hepatitis B virus. Because of this, HDV infection always develops together with hepatitis B, complicating the course of the disease and increasing the risk of developing cirrhosis and liver failure.
Hepatitis D is particularly dangerous for people with chronic hepatitis B, as HDV often causes rapid deterioration in their condition. Timely diagnosis allows you to avoid serious complications and correctly adjust the treatment.
You can find out more about diagnostic methods on the laboratory website:
https://medilab.km.ua
To take a PCR test for hepatitis D or get a consultation, follow the link:
https://medilab.km.ua/analizy
How is hepatitis D transmitted?
Hepatitis D virus is transmitted mainly through blood - during medical procedures, blood transfusions, injections with unsterile instruments. Less commonly, infection is possible through sexual contact or from mother to child during childbirth.
| Ways of transmission of hepatitis D | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Parenteral (through blood) | Blood transfusions, injections, medical procedures |
| Vertical (from mother to child) | During childbirth or pregnancy |
| Sexual path | Possible but less common mode of transmission |
Forms of infection and clinical features
Hepatitis D can occur in two main clinical forms:
| Form of infection | What is this? |
|---|---|
| Coinfection | Simultaneous infection with hepatitis B and D viruses |
| Superinfection | HDV infection on the background of pre-existing chronic hepatitis B |
Coinfection often leads to severe acute hepatitis with a high risk of developing acute liver failure.
Superinfection threatens patients with chronic hepatitis B and often accelerates the development of cirrhosis.
What symptoms may indicate an infection?
Hepatitis D can remain asymptomatic for a long time. But over time, it manifests itself with the following signs:
enlarged liver and spleen
rapid fatigue
nausea, decreased appetite
feeling of heaviness or pain in the right hypochondrium
joint and muscle pain
weight loss
jaundice
skin rashes
When should you get tested for hepatitis D?
| Indications for PCR analysis | Who is recommended? |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis by symptoms | Patients with hepatitis symptoms |
| In patients with chronic hepatitis B | To rule out HDV superinfection |
| Confirmation of immunological test results | If antibodies to HDV are detected |
| Monitoring the course of the disease | To assess viral load |
| Evaluation of treatment effectiveness | After a course of therapy |
Why is it important to undergo PCR diagnostics?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive laboratory diagnostic method that can detect viral RNA as early as 14 days after infection.
Advantages of PCR analysis:
detection of the virus at an early stage
high sensitivity (93–95%)
accuracy of results
ability to control viral load
What do the results of the PCR analysis mean?
| Result | What does it mean? |
|---|---|
| Positive | Confirmation of disease, active viral replication |
| Negative | Absence of infection, carriage without virus replication, or recovery |
Why are additional tests prescribed?
Along with PCR, the doctor may prescribe:
Determination of specific antibodies to HDV
Detection of immunoglobulins G and M to assess the stage of the disease
This allows for a comprehensive assessment of the course of the disease, determining the active phase of the infection or the stage of recovery.
Hepatitis D is a dangerous disease that always accompanies hepatitis B and can significantly complicate its course. Timely PCR diagnostics allows you to detect the infection at an early stage, determine the activity of the virus and monitor treatment.
Contact the laboratory Medilab Plus — we guarantee accurate results and an individual approach to each patient.
