How Do You Spell HEPATITIS DELTA VIRUSES?

1. Hepatitis Delta Viruses (HDV) are small, circular RNA viruses that can only infect individuals who are already infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). HDV is considered a satellite virus because it relies on HBV to replicate and produce new viral particles. It is the smallest known human virus and is unique among human viruses due to its ability to co-infect individuals with HBV and cause superinfection, a severe and more rapidly progressive form of liver disease.

   HDV is transmitted through similar routes as HBV, mainly through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids. It can be acquired through injection drug use, sexual contact, or from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. HDV infection can cause acute hepatitis with symptoms that may resemble HBV infection, such as fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and liver dysfunction. However, HDV infection is usually more severe and can lead to fulminant hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

   Prevention of HDV infection involves hepatitis B vaccination, practicing safe intercourse, and avoiding sharing of contaminated needles and syringes. There is currently no specific antiviral treatment available for HDV infection, and treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms and complications of underlying chronic HBV infection. However, research is ongoing to develop antiviral drugs that directly target HDV replication and improve treatment outcomes.

Common Misspellings for HEPATITIS DELTA VIRUSES