Signs and Symptoms:

• A patient can acquire hepatitis D virus infection at the same time as he/she is infected with the hepatitis B virus.

• Anorexia, Weakness, Nausea, Epigastric discomfort, Diarrhea, RUQ Pain, Vomiting, Malaise.

• The combination of Hepatitis D and Hepatitis B can be more serious than Hepatitis B alone and is more likely to cause chronic hepatitis and  cirrhosis.

• The virus has an incubation period of between 3 and 12 weeks.

Transmission:

• Sexual Contact

• Babies born to mothers who are infected with Hepatitis B virus

• Health care worker who are exposed to blood and body fluids

• Injecting Drug users

• Household contact with infection person.

• Traveling in the area where Hepatitis B is very common.

Diagnosis:

• It is diagnosed by an antibody blood test.

Prevention:

• Till yet their is no Vaccine to prevent Hepatitis D virus.

• Don't share Sharp edge item which might have blood on them (for eg; needles, razor, knife, scissors)

• Avoid Exposure to Hepatitis B

• For health care workers they must follow the routine precautions while handling the needles and sharp objects.

• Body piercing or tatoo can cause hepatitis, if the instruments are not properly sterilized.

Treatment:

• No Vaccine for Hepatitis D currently available
• Interferon-alpha is used to treat patients with chronic hepatitis D infection.