Hepatitis D Virus Infection

   This review article examines Hepatitis D Virus (HDV), a defective viral pathogen dependent on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for its life cycle. HDV is considered the most severe and progressive form of viral hepatitis. It explores the virology, epidemiology, diagnostics, natural history, and treatment strategies for HDV infection. The article details HDV’s unique replication mechanisms, its global prevalence with notable regional genotypes, and the clinical course of coinfection and superinfection. It also reviews diagnostic challenges and therapeutic targets, including interferon-based therapy, belatacept, lonafarnib, pegylated interferon lambda, and nucleic acid polymers, as well as emerging data from clinical trials. The piece emphasizes the impact of HBV vaccination on HDV control and the need for validated diagnostics and long-term treatment options.

   This review article examines Hepatitis D Virus (HDV), a defective viral pathogen dependent on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for its life cycle. HDV is considered the most severe and progressive form of viral hepatitis. It explores the virology, epidemiology, diagnostics, natural history, and treatment strategies for HDV infection. The article details HDV’s unique replication mechanisms, its global prevalence with notable regional genotypes, and the clinical course of coinfection and superinfection. It also reviews diagnostic challenges and therapeutic targets, including interferon-based therapy, belatacept, lonafarnib, pegylated interferon lambda, and nucleic acid polymers, as well as emerging data from clinical trials. The piece emphasizes the impact of HBV vaccination on HDV control and the need for validated diagnostics and long-term treatment options.