hepatitis D (HD), a form of acute or chronic hepatitis, caused by the hepatitis delta virus, that occurs only in patients co-infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) relies on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and cannot replicate independently. The disease usually develops into a chronic state. Diagnosis is made by detecting serum antibodies to HDV. It is transmitted sexually and through needle sharing. The only treatment is prevention of HBV. Also called delta hepatitis.
