$Unique_ID{BRK01420}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{Is Type "D" Hepatitis Much Different Than Other Types of the Disease?}
$Subject{liver hepatitis}
$Volume{A-8}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Type "D" Hepatitis Much Different Than Other Types of the Disease?


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QUESTION:  I have become aware of hepatitis as an important disease, but am
confused by a new type called a "D" hepatitis.  Can you please make some sense
out of it for me?  Is it much different than the other types of the disease?

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ANSWER:  You've heard of hepatitis A, B, nonA, nonB, and now you're hearing
about D.  Similar to the other types of hepatitis, it is sometimes called
"HDV," which stands for hepatitis D virus.  Hepatitis D virus can never infect
someone by itself.  It can only infect someone who is already infected with
hepatitis B virus; some call it a "parasite" on the hepatitis B infection.
However, many people have hepatitis B without also developing hepatitis D.
Hepatitis D is more common in southern Italy, the Middle East, parts of Africa
and parts of South America.  In these areas, it is most frequently transmitted
by intimate sexual contact.  In North America and western Europe, HDV is not
as common and is usually transmitted by dirty intravenous drug paraphernalia
or by transfusion of multiple blood products, as in the case of hemophiliacs.
The symptoms of HDV are similar to those of the other forms of hepatitis, and
the range and severity of symptoms is variable.  Treatment of all forms of
hepatitis, including HDV, is not always successful, and recovery is slow.
Until we learn more effective ways to treat viruses, the best way to combat
hepatitis is to prevent it.  Avoid intimate contact with persons who are known
to carry the virus, or who fall into the high risk groups of drug abusers and
homosexual men.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
