We would like to give you the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about Hepatitis Delta (HDV) on our homepage.
Our offer is targeted to people living with HDV and their relatives. Regardless of whether the disease has already been diagnosed, is suspected or you belong to a group at increased risk, you will find answers and explanations on the various aspects of a hepatitis delta virus infection on this homepage.
Our goal is to give you a comprehensive understanding of Hepatitis Delta. We provide you with easy-to-understand information about the causes, transmission routes, symptoms and diagnostic procedures of this disease. Additionally, you will learn about the possible complications, treatment options, and preventive measures you can take to protect yourself from infection.
All texts and information have been checked by leading specialists in Hepatitis Delta and are based exclusively on the German guidelines for HDV. Patients and community representatives from Germany, England, Romania, Turkey and Russia also helped to design the content of this homepage.
Kind regards, your Kautz5 gUG team
The homepage was made possible by an independent grant as part of the Gilead Förderprogramm Community 2022.
A special Thank You goes to Prof. Johannes Wiegand (Leipzig), who supported us with his expertise in creating the homepage.
Gender-appropriate language: In principle, this text includes all genders. However, for better readability, only one gender form is used.
Important stages from diagnosis to therapy
It is difficult to distinguish the symptoms of acute viral hepatitis D from another form of acute hepatitis.
If you have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B (HBV) and are at risk of contracting HBV or HDV , see your doctor for clarification and guidance. If you knowingly become acutely infected with hepatitis B (HBV), there is the possibility of post-exposure prophylaxis, which must be initiated within forty-eight hours
To find out whether you have contracted HBV or HDV, your blood will be tested in a laboratory.
If a HBV infection is confirmed, testing for hepatitis delta (HDV) should then take place immediately. Additionally, you should receive a referral to a liver specialist (hepato-gastroenterologist).
A hepatologist is a medicalspecialists for liver disease who will examine you in the hospital or in a doctor's office.
A HDV test should generally be performed in patients infected with HBV. More liver-specific tests can be done in the hospital.
Based on the results of the additional tests, your hepatologist, supported by a multidisciplinary medical team, will recommend and prescribe an appropriate HBV/HDV treatment.
Depending on the type of treatment prescribed, you will receive this directly at the hospital or you can obtain the medication from a pharmacy.
It is important to take your medication as directed and to read the patient information leaflets carefully.
Your hepatologist will monitor your treatment to check its effectiveness, as well as monitor the progression of the disease to detect any complications or signs of worsening.
Be assured that you are not alone on this journey or in dealing with this disease. It is very important to have someone to talk to. This can be a friend or family member. A patient organisation can also be a helpful contact point.