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Hepatitis B virus
 
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Delta agent (hepatitis D)

Alternative names:

hepatitis D

Definition:

A defective viral agent that occurs only in association with hepatitis B infection.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The delta agent may increase the severity of an acute hepatitis B infection, aggravate previously existing hepatitis B liver disease, or cause infection in asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers. Risk factors are history of previous hepatitis B infection, being a carrier of hepatitis B, and intravenous drug abuse. The incidence is 8 out of 1,000,000 people.


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