A Hepatitis-free Future: Hepatitis D

▪︎Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a virus that requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication. HDV infection occurs only simultaneously or as super-infection with HBV.
▪︎The virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids.
▪︎Vertical transmission from mother to child is rare.
▪︎HDV affects globally nearly 5% of people who have a chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV).
▪︎Populations that are more likely to have HBV and HDV co-infection include people who inject drugs, indigenous populations and recipients of hemodialysis.
▪︎Hepatitis D infection can be prevented by hepatitis B immunization.