Virus characteristics HDV
Family: deltaviridae
Defective, cicrular, single-stranded RNA
Why is HDV considered a defective virus?
It needs a helper hepatitis B virus to infect the same cell and provide the missing functions for replication and packaging.
What HBV component allows HDV infection?
HBsAg envelope protein.
What are the two types of HDV infection patterns?
Coinfection with HBV or superinfection in chronic HBV carriers.
Which HDV infection pattern has the highest risk of chronic disease?
Superinfection
What is coinfection?
Being infected with HBV and HDV at the same time. Usually causes acute hepatitis
What is superinfection?
When HDV infects someone who already has chronic HBV infection.
What type of virus is hepatitis E virus?
Single-stranded RNA virus
What is the primary transmission route for HEV?
Fecal–oral transmission via contaminated water.
What population is at highest risk of severe hepatitis E infection?
Pregnant women.
What is the mortality rate of HEV in pregnancy?
Up to ~20%.
Can hepatitis E become chronic?
Yes, in immunocompromised patients (e.g., transplant recipients).
Incubation period of HEV?
2-8 weeks
Confirmatory testing diagnosis for HEV
Anti-HEV IgM= active
Anti-EHV IgG = past infection
Common complication
Fulminant hepatic faliure
