Hepatitis D virus
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The causative agent (HDV) was detected in 1977 by M. Rizetto and co-workers in hepatocyte nuclei in patients with chronic hepatitis using immunofluorescence. The form of the virion is spherical, diameter 35-37 nm. The genome is a single-stranded ring RNA with a mass of 0.5 MD (as in viroids).
Virion has two proteins - internal and external. The internal HDAg protein is encoded by the HDV gene, and the outer protein is the HBV gene, ie, it is the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus-HBsAg. In this regard, it is believed that HDV is a satellite of the hepatitis B virus, and the reproduction of HDV requires the presence of a host virus (HBV). There are three genetic variants HDV (I-III). Infection occurs parenterally (with blood and its drugs) or from the mother to the fetus. With HDV is associated most lightning forms of hepatitis B and about 30% of liver cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis B. About 5% of HBV carriers in the world are infected with HDV.
The main diagnostic method is the detection of HDV-specific antibodies (IFN, RIF, etc.) or antigen (PCR). Vaccination against hepatitis B is a means of prevention and delta-hepatitis.
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