Hepatitis D, HDV, Caused by Circular RNA Virus
Hepatitis D, HDV, Caused by Circular RNA Virus
By Viola Woolcott
Hepatitis D or HDV (Hepatitis Delta Virus) is a disease caused by a circular RNA virus. The Hepatitis D virus infection only occurs in humans in the presence of Hepatitis B. HDV is transmitted from blood-to-blood, and blood products. Risk factors are very similar to those of the Hepatitis B virus infection and most often the virus is contracted through intravenous drug users. Hepatitis D can be contracted at the same time as one is infected wit the Hepatitis B virus.
Usually the incubation time is 21-45 days, but shorter periods of time have been reported.
Signs and symptoms include:
>> Fatigue
>> Jaundice
>> Loss of appetite
>> Abdominal pain
>> Nausea and vomiting
>> Joint pain
>> Dark urine - like tea colour
>> Confusion
>> Bruising
>> Bleeding in rare cases
>> High temperatures/Fever
Worldwide there are about 15 million cases of infection. Southern Italy, The Middle East, North Africa, some parts of the Amazon, China, Japan, Taiwan as well as the American South Pacific islands of Samoa, Hauru and Hiue are areas with the highest prevalence. Taiwan, Japan, China and Myanmar (the former Burma) have a higher occurring rate of HBV infected people and a lower rate of HDV infected people and it also happens more frequently among adults than children, although children from underdeveloped countries may be at risk, as they can contract HDV infection through breaks in the skin, if skin lesions are present.
Risk groups include:
>> Drug users who use unclean needles to inject themselves
>> Men who have sex with men
>> Hemodialysis - procedure used in patients for kidney failure
>> Sexual contact with infected people
>> Blood transfusion
>> Transmitted parenterally
Treatments are mainly support of others. Dietary changes are not needed. Intravenous fluids can be given if external intake is poor.
Related information:
Encyclopedia of Hepatitis and Other Liver Diseases (Facts on File Library of Health and Living)
Understanding Hepatitis (Understanding Health & Sickness)
Filed under: Health and Diet on December 8th, 2007
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