Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a small, defective RNA virus that requires
the presence of a coating of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for entry
into and exit from the hepatocyte. HDV therefore may be acquired as a co-infection
simultaneously with hepatitis B or as a super-infection in a patient who
already is a carrier of HBV. Infection with hepatitis D usually causes
an aggressive hepatitis (
38).
Interferon at a dose
of 9 Mu three times a week for a year can induce a virological response
but this is only sustained in 21% of cases when assessed six months after
completing therapy (
39).Whether
or not interferon therapy alters outcome in terms of morbidity or mortality
is unknown.
