How is the hepatitis D virus transmitted?
Mar 08, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongqin
Introduction
I. Transmission through transfusion of blood or blood products contaminated with hepatitis D virus (HDV), or through the use of virus-contaminated syringes and needles.
II. Close daily-life contact transmission, whereby infection occurs via broken skin or mucous membranes.
III. Sexual transmission—contact with saliva, urine, semen, or vaginal secretions from an individual infected with HDV can also lead to hepatitis D transmission.
IV. Vertical transmission from mother to child.
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus that can only infect and replicate in hosts already infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). HDV infection accelerates the progression of HBV-related disease, leading to more severe liver damage—including cirrhosis, liver decompensation, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. So, how is hepatitis D virus transmitted? Let’s explore this further.
How Is Hepatitis D Virus Transmitted?
The transmission routes of hepatitis D are similar to those of hepatitis B virus (HBV), primarily involving exposure to infected blood and other body fluids. Transmission may occur via injection or non-injection routes, entering susceptible individuals’ bodies through the following mechanisms:
1. Blood transfusion or blood product administration: Infection occurs after receiving blood or blood products contaminated with HDV, or after using syringes or needles contaminated with the virus—this is the primary mode of transmission.
2. Close daily contact: Infectious body fluids or secretions containing HDV may enter susceptible individuals through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Transmission may even occur via insect bites (e.g., mosquitoes). Familial clustering of HDV infection has been observed.
3. Sexual contact: Exposure to saliva, urine, semen, or vaginal secretions from an individual infected with HDV can lead to transmission.
4. Vertical (mother-to-child) transmission: HDV is not inherently transmissible from mother to child; transmission can only occur if HBV is actively replicating in the mother. However, the rate of vertical HDV transmission is significantly lower than that of HBV.
We hope the above information is helpful to you.
