What Is Delta Agent?
It is a kind of virus, termed as hepatitis D. It roots an infection which makes the liver to swell. Hepatitis D is among the several types of hepatitis. One can simply contract hepatitis D in case of being previously infected by hepatitis B. There is no vaccine that can help prevent hepatitis D, and has no specific treatment as well.
How Is Delta Agent Contracted?
Hepatitis B or delta agent is transmittable, and can spread by means of contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood. Though, you can merely contract the virus if you have experienced hepatitis B previously.
What Are The Symptoms Of Delta Agent?
Delta agent can worsen the signs and symptoms of hepatitis B. Few common symptoms are:
- Vomiting.
- Nausea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Joint pain.
- Jaundice.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Abdominal pain.
- Fatigue.
When Is The High Time To Seek Medical Assistance?
Call up for an appointment with your doctor in case you notice the symptoms of Hepatitis B.
What Causes Delta Agent?
As mentioned earlier, Delta agent, or say hepatitis D virus is identified merely in individuals those carry the virus of hepatitis B. Furthermore, delta agent can cause a recent infection of hepatitis B (acute) or a prevailing long term liver disease (chronic hepatitis B) worse. The virus can also trigger symptoms in people who do carry the virus of hepatitis B, however never had the symptoms. Around 15 millions of individuals are affected by delta agent around the globe, however not every person with hepatitis B experiences delta agent.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Delta Agent?
Certain factors identified for increasing the risks of delta agent are:
- Receiving several blood transfusions.
- Males involve in sexual activities with other males.
- Carrying the virus of hepatitis B.
- An infected, pregnant woman can pass on the virus to her baby.
- Injection drugs or abusing intravenous (IV).
What Are The Possible Complications Of Delta Agent?
Delta agent may lead the following complications:
- Fulminant hepatitis.
- Chronic active hepatitis.
How is delta agent diagnosed?
The doctor will need complete details regarding the medical history and symptoms of the patient. He or she can then suggest the following:
- Liver enzymes.
- Liver biopsy.
- Anti-delta agent antibody.
The doctor will carry out a blood test that may reveal anti-hepatitis D bodies. In case antibodies are discovered in the blood reports, then this indicates that the patient has actually exposed to the virus of hepatitis D.
How Is Delta Agent Treated?
Medicines prescribed for treating hepatitis B, are indeed of no use for treating Hepatitis D. Till date, there are no proven treatments for chronic or acute hepatitis D. A doctor may prescribe high doses of interferon, which the patient has to take for a year. Liver transplant is needed in case of liver damage or liver scarring.
By : Natural Health News
