Hepatitis D

The causative agent is defective RNA virus delta (HDV), which is not capable of independent replication, it requires enzymatic equipment of HBV.

These are either:


 * co-infection with HBV + HDV,
 * superinfection of HDV in primarily infected by HBV (more dangerous).

It can be fulminant hepatitis, other times the development of liver cirrhosis.

Clinical picture
The incubation period is 2-7 weeks. Superinfection leads to deterioration of liver function - failure or faster liver cirrhosis. During co-infection, the course is usually better.

Diagnostics
Detection of specific antibodies against delta antigen is performed by ELISA.

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