Case Reports Epublish
PubMed: 36788921 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33660
Identifying and Screening At-Risk Patients for Hepatitis Delta Virus: A Case Report.
Cureus 15(1):e33660
Authors: Bhavana Tetali, Brianna Kuperus, Nikhilesh Mazumder
Affiliations
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
Abstract
Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) is associated with one of the most severe forms of viral hepatitis, with rapid progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. While HDV was thought to be uncommon in the United States, recent data shows that its prevalence may be significantly higher than formerly acknowledged. Early identification of HDV is critical since approved therapeutic options are only available for compensated patients. All patients with a reactive hepatitis B virus surface antigen should undergo HDV screening, especially those with additional risk factors, including migration from an endemic area, immunosuppressed patients, hemodialysis patients, gay and bisexual men, persons who inject drugs, and persons employed in healthcare or public safety professions.
MeSH
Hepatitis D, Hepatitis Delta Virus, Viruses, Hepatitis