What is hepatitis D?

Hepatitis D is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is a small, defective virus that requires the hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate. HDV can only infect people who are already infected with HBV.

Hepatitis D is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. It can be transmitted through:

* Sharing needles or other drug paraphernalia

* Sexual contact with an infected person

* Blood transfusions (rare)

* Organ transplants (rare)

Hepatitis D can cause acute or chronic liver disease. Acute hepatitis D can cause symptoms such as:

* Fatigue

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Abdominal pain

* Dark urine

* Light-colored stools

* Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Chronic hepatitis D can lead to:

* Liver damage

* Cirrhosis

* Liver failure

* Liver cancer

There is no cure for hepatitis D, but there are treatments that can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications. Treatment for hepatitis D includes:

* Antiviral medications

* Interferon

* Ribavirin

* Liver transplant (in severe cases)

Prevention is the best way to avoid hepatitis D. If you are not infected with HBV, you cannot get hepatitis D. You can protect yourself from HBV by:

* Getting vaccinated against HBV

* Practicing safe sex

* Avoiding contact with infected blood or bodily fluids