Hepatitis d virus

The hepatitis D virus is a defective single-stranded RNA virus that has no envelope of its own. Its envelope is provided by a helper virus (HBV). The HD virus thus only occurs as a co-infection with the hepatitis B virus or as a superinfection of an HBV carrier.

So far, the virus is mainly found in southern Italy, North Africa and the Arab countries. Incubation period (ICZ): 5-6 weeks.

Clinical course is similar to hepatitis B with severe courses. In case of superinfection of a HBV carrier with HDV, a fulminant hepatitis is possible due to direct cytotoxicity of HDV.

Test material: Serology 1-2ml serum

Acute phase: detection of HDV-RNA; anti-HD-AG: often the only marker during the late acute stage.

Chronic courses: Anti-HD IgG; HDV-RNA

Healing: Anti-HD-IgG persists only for a short time

Supplementary laboratory parameters: liver enzymes (GPT>GOT) ↑, Bilirubin↑, AP, GGT increased only initially and decreased in the case of cholestasis, serum ants ↑, gamma-Globuline↑, liver synthesis parameters (CHE, albumin, quick value) only in the case of fulminant course.

1. Neumeister B (2018) Hepatitis viruses. In: Neumeister B et al. (Eds) Clinical guide to laboratory diagnostics. Elsevier GmbH S. 659-660