Key points at a glance
🦠 Hepatitis B only
Hepatitis D can only occur alongside a hepatitis B infection.
🩸 About blood
HDV is transmitted through blood, particularly when sharing injection equipment.
💉 Vaccination protects
The hepatitis B vaccine also protects against hepatitis D.
💊 Treatment available
Hepatitis D can be treated with medication. However, the treatment can be a long-term process.
What is hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D is a rare form of liver inflammation. It is caused by the hepatitis D virus, or HDV for short. The virus can only replicate if the hepatitis B virus is also present. This is why hepatitis D always occurs alongside hepatitis B.
A secondary infection with hepatitis D can significantly worsen the course of hepatitis B. In Germany, hepatitis D is generally rare.
Transmission and protection
Hepatitis D is transmitted via blood. In Germany, it almost exclusively affects people who inject drugs. There is a high risk of infection when injection equipment is shared. Hepatitis D is very rarely transmitted through sexual contact.
If you inject drugs, you should therefore only use your own injection equipment and accessories. This also protects you from other infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
The hepatitis B vaccination also protects against hepatitis D. As the HDV can only replicate in the presence of the hepatitis B virus, protection against hepatitis B also prevents hepatitis D infection.
Diagnosis and treatment
Hepatitis D is diagnosed by means of a blood test.
The infection can be treated with medication. However, treatment can be a lengthy process. A new active ingredient offers the prospect of a cure. So far, however, there is not yet sufficient data available on this.
Frequently asked questions
What is hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D is a rare form of liver inflammation. It is caused by the hepatitis D virus and only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B.
How is hepatitis D transmitted?
Hepatitis D is transmitted via blood. In Germany, it affects almost exclusively people who inject drugs.
Can hepatitis D be transmitted through sex?
Yes, but only very rarely.
How can I protect myself against hepatitis D?
The hepatitis B vaccine also protects against hepatitis D. If you use drugs, you should only use your own syringes and equipment.
How is hepatitis D diagnosed and treated?
Hepatitis D is diagnosed by a blood test. The infection can be treated with medication. However, treatment can be a lengthy process.
