Hepatitis D
The hepatitis D (HBD) virus is a single-stranded, unusual, incomplete virus that requires the presence of the hepatitis B (HBV) surface antigen to replicate. Infection can occur alongside HBV (co-infection) or following HBV infection (superinfection).
HBD is spread through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids, and through vertical transmission from mother to child.
It is diagnosed using a polymerase chain reaction of hepatitis D RNA and its treatment is mainly supportive using pegylated interferon alfa.
Hepatitis E
The hepatitis E (HBE) virus is an RNA virus spread via the faecal-oral route with an incubation period of 3-8 weeks. It causes a similar pattern of disease to hepatitis A but has more severe effects and higher mortality in pregnant people.
Like hepatitis A, hepatitis E does not cause chronic disease or an increased risk of hepatocellular cancer.
