Hepatitis D infection is only carried with Hepatitis B as a superinfection.

Hepatitis D infection is only carried with Hepatitis B as a superinfection.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. It occurs independently of Hep B
• D. It is prevented by Hepatitis A vaccine

Answer: (B)

Hepatitis D virus depends on hepatitis B virus to replicate. It uses HBV’s surface antigen to form its own envelope, so HDV cannot establish infection in someone who is HBV-negative. Because of this dependency, HDV infections occur only in people who have hepatitis B—either at the same time as HBV (coinfection) or as a superinfection in someone with chronic HBV. That’s why the statement is true: HDV is carried with HBV, in the sense that HDV infection always requires HBV. A Hepatitis A vaccine doesn’t affect HDV risk, whereas vaccination against Hepatitis B would prevent HDV by eliminating the needed helper virus.

Hepatitis D virus depends on hepatitis B virus to replicate. It uses HBV’s surface antigen to form its own envelope, so HDV cannot establish infection in someone who is HBV-negative. Because of this dependency, HDV infections occur only in people who have hepatitis B—either at the same time as HBV (coinfection) or as a superinfection in someone with chronic HBV. That’s why the statement is true: HDV is carried with HBV, in the sense that HDV infection always requires HBV. A Hepatitis A vaccine doesn’t affect HDV risk, whereas vaccination against Hepatitis B would prevent HDV by eliminating the needed helper virus.