नवीनतम
Hepatitis D now classified as cancer-causing
The WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer has recently classified Hepatitis D as carcinogenic, joining previously declared Hepatitis B and C. A 2020 study in the Journal of Hepatology revealed that approximately 5% (12 million) of chronic Hepatitis B patients worldwide are also infected with Hepatitis D virus.
Among HBV patients, HDV co-infection is responsible for about 20% of liver disease and liver cancer cases. WHO reports that hepatitis-related chronic liver disease or liver cancer claims a life every 30 seconds globally. However, these risks can be significantly reduced through timely testing, vaccination, and preventive measures.
Hepatitis D increases liver cancer risk by 2 to 6 times
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation but uniquely requires the presence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. The co-existence of both viruses represents the most dangerous form of chronic viral hepatitis, substantially elevating the risks of liver cancer and organ failure.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer reports that HDV amplifies liver cancer risk by two to six times compared to HBV alone. When HDV and HBV occur together, the mortality rate peaks at 20%, making it the deadliest among all hepatitis variants.
Main Causes of Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D infection primarily spreads through contact with infected blood or other body fluids.
Symptoms of Hepatitis D
Symptoms of Hepatitis D are often similar to other types of hepatitis. This infection causes inflammation in the liver, which leads to various changes becoming visible in the body. Initially, mild symptoms may appear. However, over time these can become serious and damage the liver.
These people are at higher risk of Hepatitis D
People who are already infected with Hepatitis B virus are at higher risk of Hepatitis D. Besides these, some other people are also more susceptible to getting infected. Such as-
* People who take injectable drugs.
* People who knowingly or unknowingly have sexual relations with someone infected with HBV or HDV.
* People living with infected individuals.
* People with HIV.
* Healthcare workers.
* Patients undergoing hemodialysis.
