A coinfection occurs when both HDV and HBV infect an individual at the same time. Both HBV and HDV have similar transmission routes. Fulminant hepatitis is a rare form of hepatitis characterized by brain damage, blood clotting disorders, kidney failure and coma frequently leading to death. In contrast, individuals with a HDV superinfection and who have a chronic HBV infection have a higher risk of developing a chronic HDV infection as well. The CDC slide below shows the geographical prevalence of HDV in the world.
Transmission occurs primarily through contact with infected blood.
Sexual transmission of HDV can also occur through infected body fluids such as seminal fluid and vaginal secretions. Transmission from infected mother to newborn may rarely occur. Symptoms vary from no symptoms to mild flu-like illness, dark urine, light stools, jaundice, fatigue and fever. Check with your physician if you suspect that you may have hepatitis of any form. As HDV is dependant on HBV for replication.