HEPATITIS D

HOW IS HEPATITIS D SPREAD?

Hepatitis D is spread through contact with infected blood. This disease only occurs at the same time as infection with hepatitis B or in people who are already infected with hepatitis B.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR HEPATITIS D?

Anyone infected with hepatitis B is at risk for hepatitis D. Injection drug users have the highest risk. Others at risk include

• people who live with or have sex with a person infected with hepatitis D
• people who received a transfusion of blood or blood products before 1987

HOW CAN HEPATITIS D BE PREVENTED?

People not already infected with hepatitis B should receive the hepatitis B vaccine. Other preventive measures include avoiding exposure to infected blood, contaminated needles, and an infected person’s personal items such as toothbrushes, razors, and nail clippers.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HEPATITIS D?

Chronic hepatitis D is usually treated with pegylated interferon, although other potential treatments are under study.