OUR TREATMENTS
Hepatitis Delta (HDV)
Hepatitis Delta is caused by an RNA virus that can only infect people who have hepatitis B as it uses the hepatitis B virus machinery to multiply itself. It is common in Southern Italy, Greece, Eastern Europe as well as some parts of South America.
The picture is the same as hepatitis B, but liver disease is more severe and presents earlier than for hepatitis B alone.
Testing is for anti-delta antibody in addition to the hepatitis B tests
Vaccination
Hepatitis B can be very infectious and can be spread through a number of routes that may put family members and close contacts at risk of exposure (particularly sexual partners). For this reason it is recommended that close contacts and family members be vaccinated against the virus.
Vaccination for Hepatitis B is a very safe and effective way for those at risk of infection to develop immunity to the virus. It is an inactive vaccine, meaning it does not contain live organisms, so cannot cause the disease. Around 90% of people will respond to the vaccinations, those less likely to respond are over 40 years old, smokers and obese.
Vaccination involves a course of three injections over a 6 month period.
The vaccination has been available since the early 1980’s and the World Health Organisation first advocated national vaccination programmes in 1993 to try to eliminate the virus. By 2004, 43 of 52 EU nations had implemented universal vaccination (immunising either neonates or adolescents.) However the UK, Ireland, Netherlands and Nordic countries continue to target only those deemed as high risk groups, although professional organisations advocate vaccination for everybody.
To find out more about immunisation for HBV, you can visit the Department of Health website using the link below:
Department of Health
Being diagnosed as having chronic Hepatitis B can be a distressing and confusing time for both patients and their families. The liver specialists at the Wellington Hospital are supported by a Specialist Nurse who is experienced in the care of patients with viral hepatitis. We are there to offer support and advice to patients on any aspect of their diagnosis or treatment, and patients are encouraged to contact us with any worries or problems they may experience.
Contacts
If you would like any further information on the treatment of Hepatitis B at the Wellington Hospital please contact the Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Liver Unit on 0207 586 7156 or via e-mail on liverunit.wellington@hcahealthcare.co.uk