Liver HDAg is only transiently positive

Acute hepatitis D, one of the clinical diagnoses of hepatitis D virus, refers to simultaneous HDV / HBV infection. The incubation period is 4-20 weeks. The clinical manifestations and biochemical characteristics are similar to those of acute hepatitis B alone, and may include fatigue, lack of appetite, jaundice, and liver swelling. Some patients have two peaks of transaminase. Due to the short duration of acute hepatitis B HBV, HDV infection often ends with the disappearance of HBV. Therefore, HDAg in the liver is only transiently positive, serum anti-HDIgM rises briefly with low titer, and secondary anti-HDIgG appears . Most HDV / HBV infections have a good prognosis, and the risk of developing chronic hepatitis is not higher than that of HBV infection alone. A few patients can also develop severe hepatitis.

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.