Hepatitis D virus antibody measurement is used to diagnose hepatitis D (HDV) in patients with documented acute or chronic hepatitis B at risk for infection with hepatitis D. The detection of specific IgM antibodies indicates active replication of HDV either due to acute infection or due to reactivation of chronic infection.
Hepatitis D (delta) is a disease caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), a small globular viroid. HDV is considered a defective virus because it can only be transmitted in the presence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Transmission of HDV can occur either as a concomitant infection with HBV (co-infection) or as a sequential infection in patients with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis B carriers (super-infection).
Both HDV co-infection and super-infection lead to more serious complications than hepatitis B virus infection alone. These complications include a higher likelihood of liver failure and a faster development of liver cirrhosis and an increased risk of developing liver cancer. In combination with the hepatitis B virus, hepatitis D has the highest mortality rate of all infectious hepatitis.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
