Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) Infection: An Emerging Global Health Concern

Overview

Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) infection is a severe liver disease caused by the Hepatitis D virus, which only affects individuals already infected with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). This co-infection leads to more aggressive liver disease, including a higher risk of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Key Facts About HDV

• HDV is a satellite virus that requires the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to replicate.
• It affects approximately 5% of chronic Hepatitis B patients, translating to 15-20 million cases globally.
• There is no complete cure, but antiviral therapies and new treatments are emerging.

Transmission and Risk Factors

HDV spreads in ways similar to HBV:

• Blood-to-blood contact (e.g., sharing needles, unsterile medical procedures).
• Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
• Mother-to-child transmission (less common but possible).

Symptoms and Complications

HDV infection can lead to:

• Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea in acute infections.
• Rapid progression to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in chronic cases.

Current Treatment Approaches

• Pegylated Interferon-alpha (Peg-IFN-α): The primary therapy, though response rates vary.
• Bulevirtide: A new drug granted conditional approval in some regions.
• Liver Transplantation: For end-stage liver disease cases.
• HBV Vaccination: The best preventive strategy, as HDV cannot infect without HBV.

Research and Future Prospects

Scientists are developing novel antiviral therapies and combination treatments to improve HDV management. Clinical trials are exploring the effectiveness of entry inhibitors, RNA interference drugs, and immune modulators to prevent or slow disease progression.