HEPATITIS D Meaning and
Definition
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Hepatitis D, also known as Delta hepatitis, is a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV) that specifically targets the liver. HDV is considered a defective virus, as it requires the hepatitis B virus (HBV) to co-infect a person in order to replicate and function properly. Therefore, HDV infection occurs only in individuals who are already infected with HBV.
Hepatitis D is classified as the most severe form of viral hepatitis, leading to more severe liver damage compared to other hepatitis viruses. It can manifest as either acute or chronic hepatitis, with chronic cases being more prevalent. The transmission of HDV can occur through various routes, such as exposure to infected blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child during childbirth.
Symptoms of hepatitis D are similar to those of hepatitis B and may include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, and clay-colored stools. Left untreated, chronic hepatitis D can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and an increased risk of developing liver cancer.
The diagnosis of hepatitis D involves blood tests to detect specific HDV antibodies and antigens. Treatment options are limited and mainly focus on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. The most effective preventive measure against hepatitis D is the hepatitis B vaccine, as obtaining immunity against HBV prevents co-infection with HDV.
Common Misspellings for HEPATITIS D
- gepatitis d
- bepatitis d
- nepatitis d
- jepatitis d
- uepatitis d
- yepatitis d
- hwpatitis d
- hspatitis d
- hdpatitis d
- hrpatitis d
- h4patitis d
- h3patitis d
- heoatitis d
- helatitis d
- he-atitis d
- he0atitis d
- hepztitis d
- hepstitis d
- hepwtitis d
- hepqtitis d
Etymology of HEPATITIS D
The word "Hepatitis" originates from the Greek words "hepar" meaning liver and "itis" indicating inflammation, so "Hepatitis" can be translated to "inflammation of the liver".
The letter "D" in "Hepatitis D" refers to a specific type of viral hepatitis. The hepatitis viruses are named alphabetically, and Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV) or delta virus. The name "delta" is derived from the fact that HDV can only infect individuals who are also infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Thus, it is an additional or "delta" virus that requires the presence of HBV to cause disease.
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