Hepatitis D

Key points

• Hepatitis D is a single stranded RNA virus that is transmitted parenterally. It is an incomplete RNA virus that requires hepatitis B surface antigen to complete its replication and transmission cycle.
• Co-infection: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D infection at the same time.
• Superinfection: A hepatitis B surface antigen positive patient subsequently develops a hepatitis D infection. Superinfection is associated with high risk of fulminant hepatitis, chronic hepatitis status and cirrhosis.