Hepatitis D Co-Infection Hepatitis D is a type of viral
hepatitis caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), which needs the
hepatitis B virus to exist. Only people who are already infected
with hepatitis B can be infected with hepatitis D. HDV Co-
infection - occurs simultaneously when first infected with the
hepatitis B virus. HDV Super-infection - occurs in persons with
an existing chronic hepatitis B infection. A co-infection may
result in a more severe acute disease and a higher risk (2%-20%)
of developing acute liver failure compared with those infected
with HBV alone. Chronic HBV carriers who acquire HDV super-
infections usually develop chronic HDV infection as well.
Progression to cirrhosis is believed to be more common with HDV-
HBV chronic infections. Transmission - hepatitis D is spread the
same way as hepatitis B: - Contact with infected blood -
Unprotected sex. - Exposure to dirty needles (i.e. needlesticks,
sharing drugs, tattoo parlors, body piercings). - From an
infected woman to her newborn during