Hepatitis D virus, qualitative (PCR)

Serum, 2ml

The hepatitis delta virus (hepatitis D virus, HDV) causes hepatitis, but can propagate only in the presence of hepatitis b virus (HBV) as the virus needs components of HBV to generate more viral particles during infection. Transmission of HDV can occur either via simultaneous infection with HBV (coinfection) or superimposed on chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis B carrier state (superinfection).

In the early course of HDV infection rather unspecific symptoms that lead to a general malaise like fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, myalgia and fever may occur. As the disease progresses, other symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, discoloration of urine and stool and jaundice will appear.

HDV infecting a person with chronic hepatitis B (superinfection) is considered the most serious type of viral hepatitis due to its severity of complications. In acute HDV infections, there is a greater likelihood of liver failure and a rapid progression to liver cirrhosis, while in chronic HDV infection the risk of developing liver carcinoma is increased.

A hepatitis B vaccination also protects against hepatitis D.


Note: Always also carry out a serological diagnosis of hepatitis B.