There are several risk factors for the acquisition of hepatitis D virus infection, and health behavior change may prevent the disease. Since the presence of hepatitis B virus infection is necessary for infection with hepatitis D to take place, carriers of hepatitis B virus will naturally be at risk for hepatitis D.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Though no satisfactory immunization against hepatitis D virus infection is available, the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection with hepatitis B vaccine will, of course, eliminate the possibility that a person will acquire hepatitis D infection. In these cases, a person must take the hepatitis B vaccine before he or she acquires hepatitis B infection as the vaccine does not exert any therapeutic effect on the disease once it is present (Centers for Disease Control, 2009).
Risk Factors
Individuals who have received many blood transfusions, particularly prior to 1987, will be at risk for hepatitis D virus infection. Injection drug users are especially prone to it as well. Hepatitis D virus also transmits sexually, but safer sex practices may prevent the spread of this disease. If a person lives with someone who has hepatitis D virus infection, he or she may acquire the disease too.
In essence, hepatitis D virus can spread through percutaneous or mucosal contact with blood or blood products. Regardless of which phase of hepatitis D infection the patient has, his or her blood is infectious. Hence, individuals with hepatitis D virus infection should not donate blood, and they should inform their physician that they have the infection.
Health care workers will, therefore, be at risk for hepatitis D virus infection in regions of the world where the disease is prevalent. Patients who undergo hemodialysis will have a predisposition for it as well. Mothers can transmit hepatitis D virus infection to the fetus during pregnancy.
Anyone who lives with a person who has hepatitis D virus infection should avoid contact with infected needles or syringes, razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes which the patient uses.
For pediatric patients who have hepatitis D virus infection, restriction from school may be necessary if the child has a tendency to scratch or bite other children. Moreover, if the child has skin problems with weeping sores or ulcers, they should undergo medical treatment first to resolve those lesions or cover them to prevent disease spread. Children with a bleeding disorder can transmit hepatitis D virus to someone else through direct contact when they bleed.
There is not much therapy available for hepatitis D virus, but pegylated interferon is the recommendation.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control. (2009). Hepatitis D. Retrieved July 23, 2011.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2008). Viral hepatitis: A through E and beyond. Retrieved July 23, 2011.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact their physician for advice.
Michael Koger - Dr. Koger obtained his medical education at Meharry Medical College and specialized in Internal Medicine.
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