Disease hub
Hepatitis D
Supporting patients and caregivers with reliable information, research updates, and a community that understands your journey.About the condition
What is hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV is unusual in that it can only infect people who also have the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This is because HDV relies on HBV to replicate, which is why it is sometimes described as a satellite virus. Because testing for hepatitis D is not always routine, many people living with hepatitis B may not know they also have hepatitis D. This makes the true scale of the condition difficult to measure and means diagnosis can be significantly delayed.Co-infection
When a person becomes infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis D at the same time. Co-infection can sometimes clear on its own but can also lead to severe acute hepatitis.
Superinfection
When a person who already has chronic hepatitis B later acquires hepatitis D. Superinfection tends to lead to more serious and persistent liver disease.
Why hepatitis D is serious
Hepatitis D can accelerate liver damage significantly compared to hepatitis B alone. People with both infections have a higher risk of developing cirrhosis and liver failure. Despite this, hepatitis D remains under-recognised and is not always tested for even in people known to have hepatitis B.
Common symptoms
Fatigue
Nausea
Jaundice
Abdominal pain
Joint pain
Some people have no symptoms
Living with hepatitis D
Managing uncertainty in a poorly understood condition
People living with hepatitis D may face significant uncertainty around diagnosis, monitoring, treatment options, and long-term liver health. Because hepatitis D is far less commonly discussed than hepatitis B or C, patients can find it difficult to locate clear and reliable information. The connection to hepatitis B adds another layer of complexity. People may be managing both infections simultaneously, navigating multiple treatment pathways and monitoring schedules. The psychological impact of living with a serious liver condition that is not well known, even among some healthcare professionals, can be considerable. Fatigue is common and can affect work, relationships, and daily life. The uncertainty about how the condition may progress over time, and what options may be available in future, can be one of the harder aspects to live with, for patients and caregivers alike.Hepatitis D is estimated to affect around 5% of people with chronic hepatitis B worldwide, yet it remains one of the most under-diagnosed forms of viral hepatitis.
Research
Where is research heading?
Research in hepatitis D is active and evolving. Current focus areas include:
New treatments
Several new antiviral therapies targeting HDV are in development or have recently received approval, representing a significant step forward for patients with limited options.
Testing and diagnosis
Studies focused on improving HDV testing rates among people with hepatitis B, to close the significant gap between estimated and confirmed cases.
Liver health outcomes
Research tracking how hepatitis D affects liver disease progression over time, including cirrhosis risk and response to treatment.
Patient experience
Understanding the real-world impact of hepatitis D on daily life, and how care pathways can better support patients and caregivers.
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Stay informed about hepatitis D research, care developments, and news.
Research updates
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