title: [Delta hepatitis].
abstract: Hepatitis delta virus is a small defective RNA virus that replicates only in the presence of hepatitis B virus. Delta infections occur in two circumstances: co-infections where both viruses are acquired simultaneously, and superinfections where delta virus infects a patient who is already a chronic carrier of hepatitis B virus. In both cases, delta virus may induce a more severe outcome of the disease. Diagnostic tests of delta infection have recently become available and should be used in all cases of acute hepatitis B occurring in populations at risk of delta infection such as intravenous-drug addicts. Prevention of delta infection is essentially based on immunization against hepatitis B of populations exposed to both viruses.
mesh_terms: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications; D003699:Hepatitis D / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D003698:Hepatitis Delta Virus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D014779:Virus Replication
chemical_list: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies
vernacular_title: L'hépatite delta.