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  • I Have Hepatitis B. Could I Also Be Infected with Hepatitis D?

    By Sierra Pellechio, Hepatitis Delta Connect Coordinator Hepatitis delta, or hepatitis D, is an aggressive form of hepatitis that can only infect someone who is also infected with hepatitis B. People can become infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis D from the same exposure, or people who are already infected with hepatitis B can later be infected with hepatitis D. Coinfection can promote more rapid progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer than being infected with hepatitis B alone and will require an altered treatment and management plan. Being aware could save your life! Hepatitis D can be spread similarly to hepatitis B, through exposure to blood or bodily fluids of an infected person. People with hepatitis B are likely to develop a chronic hepatitis delta coinfection if they are exposed to the virus, making it important for you and your doctor to be aware of the signs of a coinfection. Cues to suspect a coinfection: You have chronic hepatitis B but are not responding to antiviral treatment, or you have signs of liver damage even though your viral load is low (HBV DNA below 2,000 IU/mL) Note: Fatty liver disease (caused by obesity) and liver damage from alcohol or environmental toxins should be ruled out as causes of liver damage before testing for hepatitis D. It is also important for hepatitis B patients who originate from Sub-Saharan Africa, China, Russia, the Middle East, Mongolia, Romania, Georgia, Turkey, Pakistan and the Amazonian River Basin to be tested for hepatitis D, where it is more common. Most of the time, patients do not have any signs or symptoms to let them know they are coinfected, so a simple blood test is the only way to know for sure! Talk to your liver specialist about testing at your next appointment. Hepatitis Delta Connect is a dedicated program of the Hepatitis B Foundation aimed to provide information and support for those affected by hepatitis D. Please visit our website, www.hepdconnect.org for more information and follow us on

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/hepatitis-b-also-infected-hepatitis-delta/
  • Diagnosing Hepatitis D in the U.S.

    Robert Gish, MD David Hillyard, MD By Sierra Pellechio, Hepatitis Delta Connect Coordinator Hepatitis D, or hepatitis delta, is the most severe form of viral hepatitis known to humans. The hepatitis D virus infects the liver and is dependent on the hepatitis B virus to reproduce. This means that people who are already infected with hepatitis B are at risk of contracting hepatitis D as well. Worldwide, more than 257 million people live with hepatitis B and of this number, an estimated 15-20 million are also infected with the hepatitis delta virus (HDV). While uncommon in the United States, HDV co-infection is more common in parts of the world such as China, Russia, Middle East, Mongolia, Romania, Georgia, Turkey, Pakistan, Africa, and the Amazonian river basin. For this reason, it is important to test hepatitis B patients who originate from these higher endemic areas for hepatitis D. Anyone with chronic hepatitis B who is not responding to antiviral treatment, or who has signs of liver damage even though they have a low viral load (HBV DNA below 2,000 IU/mL) should also be tested. Fatty liver disease (caused by obesity) and liver damage from alcohol or environmental toxins should be ruled out as causes of liver damage before testing for HDV.  Hepatitis D infections lead to more serious liver disease than hepatitis B infection alone. It is associated with faster progression to liver fibrosis, increased risk of liver cancer, and early decompensated cirrhosis and liver failure. This is why it is so important that people with hepatitis B and D coinfection are diagnosed before it can lead to severe complications. Robert Gish, MD, Hepatitis B Foundation Medical Director, and David Hillyard, MD, Medical Director, Molecular Infectious Diseases, ARUP Laboratories, tackled the topic of diagnosing hepatitis D in a webinar in October. Dr. Gish also answered additional questions, which are featured below: What is the first step in diagnosing an HDV patient? The HDV

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/diagnosing-hepatitis-delta-u-s/
  • A Capitol Celebration: US Leaders in Hepatitis B Celebrate World Hepatitis Day

    Hep B United (HBU), a coalition established by the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) and the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO), held its fifth annual Hep B United Summit from July 26th to 28th in Washington D.C. The summit was held to promote screening and prevention strategies and advocate for a cure to further HBU’s mission to eliminate hepatitis B in the United States. The summit is the largest gathering of hepatitis B leaders from around the country including public health agencies, national non-profit organizations, community coalitions, and individuals and family members affected by hep B. Catherine Freeland, MPH, Public Health Manager of HBF, said, “The summit is like a family reunion.” It’s an opportunity for HBU members to convene, share best strategies, and celebrate their wins over the past five years. The partnerships within HBU ensures that best practices and resources are shared as well. "Once we have a cure, we are committed to making sure chronically infected Americans get it," Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, co-chair of HBU mentioned during the summit. Over the past year, HBU screened 22,556, educated 52,194, and reached over 6 million people with in-language hepatitis B messaging! That’s a win for sure! As a part of the summit, HBU partners visited Capitol Hill to discuss with federal legislators the need to support hepatitis B and liver cancer research, education, screening, and treatment programs. A Congressional reception was also held to highlight the “#justB: Real People Sharing their Stories of Hepatitis B” storytelling campaign, which increases awareness of hepatitis B through personal stories. There were also meeting sessions focusing on capacity building, sustaining local hepatitis B coalitions, and best ways to utilize resources like the “Know Hepatitis B” campaign from the CDC and Hep B United and the #justB campaign. The Hep B United Summit is a way to celebrate World Hepatitis Day, which is

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/capitol-celebration-us-leaders-hepatitis-b-celebrate-world-hepatitis-day/
  • The Medical Community Wakes Up to a Dangerous Threat to People with Hepatitis B – Coinfection with Hepatitis D

    By Christine Kukka In the U.S. and around the world, the medical community is finally acknowledging a hidden threat to people with hepatitis B – a virulent liver coinfection that requires the presence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to survive. Hepatitis D (Delta), which causes the most severe liver infection known to humans, infects between 15 to 20 million people worldwide and an estimated 20,000 people living with chronic hepatitis B in the U.S. For years, health officials assumed hepatitis D did not threaten Americans and occurred primarily in Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. However, recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) studies found 4 to 5 percent of Americans with chronic hepatitis B are also infected with hepatitis D. As a result of these findings, researchers including Hepatitis B Foundation's Medical Director Dr. Robert Gish, are now pushing medical organizations to establish hepatitis D testing and monitoring guidelines so doctors will start testing patients for this dangerous liver disease. Recently, the foundation sponsored a webinar, attended by dozens of healthcare providers, patients and officials from around the world, in which Dr. Gish outlined whom should be tested for hepatitis D, and how it should be treated. A new webinar that examines hepatitis D prevalence in the U.S. is scheduled for 3 p.m. (EST), Wednesday, June 28. To register for the webinar click here. How do people get infected with hepatitis D? Infection occurs when people are exposed to blood and body fluids from someone with an active hepatitis D infection. Basically, they get both hepatitis B and D in one exposure. This is called an acute coinfection. Some healthy adults are able to clear both infections, but they often experience serious liver damage during the clearance or recovery phase. Another way to become infected is if someone infected with chronic hepatitis B is exposed to someone with hepatitis D. This is called a

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/medical-community-wakes-dangerous-threat-people-hepatitis-b-coinfection-hepatitis-d/
  • Hepatitis D Roundtable to Address Unmet Needs of Patients

    American Liver Foundation and Hepatitis B Foundation join forces with patients, medical providers and care partners in virtual two-day event  Fairfield, N.J., April 21, 2022—The American Liver Foundation (ALF) and Hepatitis B Foundation will join forces with key stakeholders concerned with identifying and addressing the unmet needs of people living with hepatitis D virus (HDV). The virtual Hepatitis D roundtable, to be held on April 21 and 22, will bring together medical experts, patients, and care partners in the hopes of finding solutions to some of the most vexing issues facing people living with HDV. HDV can only infect people who are also infected by the hepatitis B virus (HBV); infection can occur simultaneously (co-infection) or after infection with hep B (super-infection). HDV is often called a disease amplifier because it causes HBV to progress more rapidly resulting in cirrhosis or liver failure, making it more deadly. “There is a vast unmet need to diagnose, treat, and improve the lives of those living with hepatitis D,” Chari A. Cohen, DrPH, MPH, senior vice president of the Hepatitis B Foundation, said. "We're confident that the two days of robust discussion will yield valuable new insights and ideas for assisting people living with hepatitis D." In addition to addressing unmet needs of people living with HDV, the roundtable participants will seek to develop resources to better support and engage people in hepatitis D management, and open hepatitis D patient-doctor lines of communication to prioritize focus on the liver. “The link between people suffering from hepatitis B and hepatitis D and liver failure has not been well understood,” said Lorraine Stiehl, chief executive officer of American Liver Foundation. “That’s why we’re so pleased to partner with the Hepatitis B Foundation to help find solutions for patients and families struggling with these diseases and help raise awareness around the strong connection to liver failure.” The American Liver Foundation and Hepatitis B Foundation will jointly publish a report highlighting lessons learned from the roundtable, as a resource for people living with hepatitis D and their providers. For more about hepatitis D, visit Hepatitis Delta Connect, the website for the Hepatitis B Foundation’s program dedicated to HDV. Patients and caregivers are invited to join an American Liver Foundation free patient program, “Ask the Experts—Viral Hepatitis (HDV)” on May 19th at 2PM ET featuring leading physicians who will discuss findings and major discussion points from the Hepatitis D Roundtable. American Liver Foundation The American Liver Foundation is the nation’s largest non-profit organization focused solely on promoting liver health and disease prevention. The American Liver Foundation achieves its mission in the fight against liver disease by funding scientific research, education for medical professionals, advocacy, information and support programs for patients and their families as well as public awareness campaigns about liver wellness and disease prevention. The mission of the American Liver Foundation is to promote education, advocacy, support services and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call: 1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837). Follow us on Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube  and Instagram HEP B FoundationAbout the Hepatitis B Foundation: We are the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Founded in 1991, the Hepatitis B Foundation is based in Doylestown, Pa., with an office in Washington, D.C. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@hepbfoundation) or call us at 215-489-4900. To donate, contact Jean Holmes at 215-489-4900 or jean.holmes@hepb.org.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/hepatitis-d-roundtable-to-address-unmet-needs-of-patients/
  • Journal Articles on Hepatitis B Research, Vaccination and Public Education

    Here is a selection of peer-reviewed journal articles and other scholarly publications co-authored by Hepatitis B Foundation public health researchers. Cohen, C., Evans, A.A., Block, T.M. (2023). Hepatitis Viruses: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D. In: Kaslow, R.A., Stanberry, L.R., Powers, A.M. (eds) Viral Infections of Humans. Springer, New York, NY. [link] McMahon B, Cohen C, Brown RS, et al. Opportunities to Address Gaps in Early Detection and Improve Outcomes of Liver Cancer [published online ahead of print, 2023 May 5]. JNCI Cancer Spectrum 2023;7(3):pkad034. [link] Lim Y-S, WR Kim, Dieterich D, et al. Evidence for Benefits of Early Treatment Initiation for Chronic Hepatitis B 18April2023 Viruses 2023, 15(4), 997; [link] CDA Foundation; Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Hepatitis Australia, The Hepatitis Fund; Hepatitis B Foundation, Medicins Sans Frontieres Access Campaign, etc. (2022) An open letter to Gavi: hepatitis B birth dose vaccine can’t wait The Lancet: GastroenterolHepatol 5Dec2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(22)00422-8 [link] Ha YP, Sun Y, Wilkinson J, Wang S, Chien L, Wu M, Wang E, Freeland C (2022) Implementation and outcomes of a remote hepatitis B screening program designed to overcome COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions to community-based screenings for Asians in Greater Philadelphia: A descriptive study Health Science Reports    8August2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.761 [link] Kheir OO, Freeland C, Abdo AE, Yousif MEM, Altayeb EA, Mekonnen HD (2022) Assessment of hepatitis B knowledge and awareness among the Sudanese population in Khartoum State Pan African Medical Journal  10.11604/pamj.2022.41.217.30390 [link] Ibrahim Y, Cohen C, Araojo R, Merenda C, Dykstra S, et al (2022) Attitudes towards clinical trial participation among people living with chronic hepatitis B. J Transl Sci. 2022; 8:1-10. Epub ahead of print. [link] Freeland C, Mendola L, Cheng V, Cohen C, Wallace J (2022) The unvirtuous cycle of discrimination affecting people with hepatitis B: a multi-country qualitative assessment of key-informant perspectives. Int J Equity in Health. 2022 May 31;21(1):77. [link] Matthews PC, Jack K, Wang S, Abbott J, Bryce K, Cheng B, Ghosh I, Story A, Chen J, Munoz C, Bell J, Riddell S, Goldring A, Goddard C, Moraras K, Cohen C, Brown K, Lazarus JV, Elsharkawy AM (2022) A call for advocacy and patient voice to eliminate hepatitis B virus infection. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Apr;7(4):282-285. [link] Silliman M, Alber M, Gib S, Gee M, Conover S, Chan C, Cohen C, Freeland C, Racho R (2022) Comparing lengths and inclusion of information in storytelling videos: Implications for hepatitis B education. PEC Innovation. Online ahead of print. [link] Freeland C, Mendola L, Cheng V, Cohen C, Wallace J (2022) The unvirtuous cycle of discrimination affecting people with hepatitis B: a multi-country qualitative assessment of key-informant perspectives. International Journal for Equity in Health [link]  Huynh TB, Nguyen DT, Vu N, Freeland C (2021) Development of health and safety training for Vietnamese American nail salon owners and workers medRxiv [link] C Freeland, M Kamischke, M Jackson, S Bodor, T Block, C Cohen, et al (2021). Common concerns, barriers to care, and the lived experience of individuals with hepatitis B: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health [link] Gish RG, Brosgart C, Lok A, Wong R, Block T, Cohen C, et al (2021) An Updated Assessment of Chronic Hepatitis B Prevalence among Foreign-Born Persons Living in the United States. Hepatology [link] Wang S, Cohen C, Tang A, Graham C (2021). Hepatitis B Virus Elimination in the U.S.: Time to Dismantle Barriers and Implement Solutions. Current Hepatology Solutions [link] Razavi H, Block, T, Cohen, C, et al (2020). The case for simplifying and using absolute targets for viral hepatitis elimination goals. Journal of Viral Hepatitis [link] Moraras K, Block J, Shiroma N, Cannizzo A, Cohen C (2020). Protecting the Rights of Health Care Students Living With Hepatitis B Under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Public Health Reports. [link] Tu T, Block JM, Wang S, Cohen C, Douglas MW (2020). The lived experience of chronic hepatitis B: a broader view of its impacts and why we need a cure. Viruses [link]  Freeland C, Bodor S, Perera U, Cohen C Barriers to Hepatitis B Screening and Prevention for African Immigrant Populations in the United States: A Qualitative Study. Viruses 2020:12(3), 305. [link] Alber JM, Cohen C, Racho R, Freeland C, Ghazvini S, Tolentino B, Almeida R, & Silliman M (2020) Exploring the impact of storytelling on storytellers in a hepatitis B health communication context. Patient Education & Counseling. [link] Alber JM, Cohen C, Bleakley A, Ghazvini S, Tolentino B, Almeida R, & Chance BL (2019). Comparing the effects of different story types and speakers in hepatitis B storytelling videos. Health Promotion Practice. [link] Alber JM, Cohen C, Nguyen G, Ghazani S, Tolentino B (2018). Exploring communication strategies for promoting hepatitis B prevention among young Asian American adults. Journal of Health Communication; 16:1-7. [link] Freeland C, Cohen C, Collier M (2018). Public health response to hepatitis B exposure: A case study on gaps and opportunities to improve postexposure care. Infectious Disease in Clinical Practice; 26(4):185-186. [link] Cohen, C, Alber, JM, Bleakley, A, Grossman, S, Freeland, C, Alarcon, K, Merchant, R (2018). Social media for hep B awareness: Young adult and community leader perspectives. Health Promotion Practice. Advanced online publication. [link] Alter H, Block T, Brown N, Brownstein A, Brosgart C, Chang K-M, Chen P-J, Chisari F, Cohen C, et al. (2018). A Research Agenda for Curing Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Hepatology; 67(3):1127-1131. [link] Block T, Alter H, Brown N, Brownstein A, Brosgart C, Chang K-M, Chen P-J, Cohen C, et al. (2017). Research priorities for the discovery of a cure for chronic hepatitis B: Report of a workshop. Antiviral Research; 150:93-100. [link] Cohen C, Evans AA, Huang P, London WT, Block J, Chen G (2016). Hepatitis B knowledge among key stakeholders in Haimen City, China: Implications for addressing chronic HBV infection. Hepatology, Medicine and Policy, 1(4):2-9. [link] Jorgensen C, Chen S, Carnes CA, Block J, Chen D, Caballero J, Moraras K, Cohen C (2016). “Know Hepatitis B:” A Multilingual Communications campaign Promoting Testing for Hepatitis B Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Public Health Reports, 2016 Supplement 2, v131: 35-40. [link] McMahon B, Block J, Block T, Cohen C, Evans AA, Hosangadi A, London WT, Sherman M, et. al. (2015). Hepatitis-Associated Liver Cancer: Gaps and Opportunities to Improve Care. JNCI J Natl Cancer Inst, 108(4):1-6. [link] Gish RD, Cohen CA, Block JM, Brosgart CL, Block TM, Clary R, Le LT, Ninburg MH, Sandt L, Kowdley KV (2015). Data supporting updating estimates of the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and C in the United States. Hepatology, 62(5):1339-1341. [link] Evans AA, Cohen C, Huang P, Qian L, London WT, Block JM, Chen G (2015). Prevention of perinatal hepatitis B transmission in Haimen City, China: Results of a community public health initiative. Vaccine; epub ahead of print, pii: S0264-410X(15)00111-5. doi: 10.1016/j. Vaccine 2015.01.054. [link] Weerasinghe I, Bannister N, Huang V, Cohen C, Caballero J, Wang S (2015). The role of the patient-centered medical home in addressing hepatitis B perinatal transmission. AAPI Nexus, 12(1,2): 140-160. [link] Chen G, Block JM, Evans AA, Huang P, Cohen C (2014). Gateway to Care campaign: a public health initiative to reduce the burden of hepatitis B in Haimen City, China. BMC Public Health, 14:754-759. [link] Beckett GA, Block JM, Cohen C, McMahon BJ (2014). The role of primary care physician assistants in managing chronic hepatitis B. Journal of the American Association of Physician Assistants, 27(3):51-54. [link] Nguyen GT, Cohen C, Evans A, Bautista R (2014). Broadening the scope for national database sampling: a critical need. American Journal of Public Health, 104(2):e3. [link] Cohen C, Caballero J, Martin M, Weerasinghe I, Ninde M, Block J (2013). Eradication of Hepatitis B: A Nationwide Community Coalition Approach to Improving Vaccination, Screening, and Linkage to Care. Journal of Community Health, 38(5):799-804. [link] Evans AA, London WT, Gish RG, Cohen C, Block WT (2013). Chronic HBV Infection Outside Treatment Guidelines: Is Treatment Needed? Antiviral Therapy, 18(2):229-235. [link] Apuzzio J, Block JM, Cullison S, Cohen C, Leong SL, London WT, McHugh JA, Neubauer RL, Perrillo R, Squires R, Tarrant D, McMahon BJ (2012). Chronic Hepatitis B in Pregnancy: A Workshop Consensus Statement on Screening, Evaluation, and Management, Part 1. The Female Patient, 37(4):22-27. Apuzzio J, Block JM, Cullison S, Cohen C, Leong SL, London WT, McHugh JA, Neubauer RL, Perrillo R, Squires R, Tarrant D, McMahon BJ (2012). Chronic Hepatitis B in Pregnancy: A Workshop Consensus Statement on Screening, Evaluation, and Management, Part 2. The Female Patient, 37(5):30-34. McHugh JA, Cullison S, Apuzzio J, Block JM, Cohen C, Leong SL, London WT, McNellis RJ, Neubauer RL, Perrillo R, Squires R, Tarrant D, McMahon BJ (2011). Chronic hepatitis B infection: A workshop consensus statement and algorithm. Journal of Family Practice, Online Exclusive. 60(9):E1-E8. [link] Evans AA, Cohen C, London WT (2011). Hepatitis B Virus in the United States. Annals of Internal Medicine, 155(3):205. [link] Cohen C, McMahon BJ, Block JM, Brosgart CL, Gish RG, London WT, Block TM (2011). Is chronic hepatitis B being undertreated in the United States? Journal of Viral Hepatitis, 18:377-383. [link] Cohen C, Evans  A, London WT, Block J, Conti M, Block T (2008). Underestimation of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the United States of America. Journal of Viral Hepatitis, 15(1):12–13. [link] Jessop A, Cohen C, Burke M, Conti M, Black M  (2004). Hepatitis support groups: Meeting the information and support needs of hepatitis patients. Journal of Gastroenterology Nursing, 27(4):163-169. [link] 

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/reports/journal-articles-on-hepatitis-b-research-vaccination-and-public-education/
  • Joe's Story

    After being diagnosed with hepatitis B, Joe didn’t seek regular monitoring because his doctor didn’t provide information about what his diagnosis meant. Years later, he learned that his liver was inflamed, and that he was also infected with hepatitis delta – a serious coinfection of hepatitis B. Joe began to learn as much as he could about his coinfection, and after discovering that treatments were limited for hepatitis delta, he joined the only clinical trial available at the time. Although Joe had to discontinue the trial early, his health is now stable, and he is glad he has been able to contribute to important research. Even after his difficult journey, he is still hopeful that better treatments, and even a cure, are on the way.  

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/patient-story-telling-project/joes-story/
  • Testing and Diagnosis

    Who should be tested? While the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) recommends that only high-risk groups be tested for hepatitis delta, the Hepatitis B Foundation recommends that all people living with hepatitis B get tested. Types of infections  There are two types of hepatitis delta infections: "superinfection" and "coinfection." Superinfections can occur when someone who already has chronic hepatitis B becomes infected with hepatitis delta - these types of infections are more common, and have a 70-90% chance of resulting in a chronic infection of both hepatitis B and delta. Coinfections can occur when someone becomes infected with hepatitis B and delta at the same time, and have less than a 5% chance of resulting in chronic infections. If available, testing for the HDV Antibody IgM can help determine if someone is experiencing a new hepatitis delta infection. Diagnosis A hepatitis delta diagnosis will require two tests: The hepatitis delta antibody (anti-HDV total) test and the hepatitis delta RNA (HDV RNA) test. The first step is performing the HDV antibody total (anti-HDV total) test. People who have recovered from or are currently infected with hepatitis delta will have antibodies. If the HDV antibody total test is positive, it should be followed by the HDV RNA (Qualitative or Quantitative) test to confirm an active infection. If this test is negative, a current infection is unlikely.  Ordering Testing In the past, availability and accuracy of testing for hepatitis delta has been limited. However, recent advancements have given more hope for this type of testing, which is now available from several labs within the U.S. and internationally: Quest Diagnostics (US) HDV Antibody, Total HDV Antibody IgM HDV RNA (Qualitative) HDV RNA (Quantitative) ARUP Laboratories (US) HDV Antibody Total HDV Antibody IgM HDV Antigen (ELISA) HDV RNA (Quantitative) BioAgilytix (US) Hepatitis D Antigen and IgM Antibody in Serum Mayo Clinic Laboratories (US) HDV Antibody Total Viracor (US) HDV Antibody Total HDV RNA (Qualitative) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (US & International) HDV Antibody Total HDV RNA Genotyping Disclaimer: This may not be a comprehensive list of all available labs offering hepatitis delta testing. Please note, if you are a patient in the U.S. and wish to be tested for hepatitis D, these tests must be ordered through a clinician.

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/hepdeltaconnect/testing-and-diagnosis/
  • Hepatitis D Coinfection with Hepatitis B

    Hepatitis D virus (HDV) – the “D” is for delta – is a viral enigma that doesn’t act like a normal virus. It is helpless – that is, it can’t infect a cell – without its viral accomplice, the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and makes infection with HBV worse. Delta virus can only cause illness in those already infected with HBV, said Timothy Block, Ph.D., President and Co-Founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation, Professor and Director, Drexel University Institute for Biotechnology and Virology Research. “It can take quiescent HBV and turn it into an acute, lethal viral infection,” Block said. “Liver disease – cirrhosis, liver failure – that might take decades to develop or could only take a year or two. Delta virus converts HBV infection into an emergency situation.” “It’s one of the most severe forms of human viral hepatitis,” said Jeffrey Glenn, MD, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford Cancer Institute. “Delta virus is a parasite of HBV because it encodes its own genome and coat-like protein but it doesn’t make its own envelope protein,” Glenn explained. “It steals that from HBV. It needs the B envelope protein to make its own, and this provides a means to infect new cells and subsequently make a fully formed viral particle to get out of those cells to infect others.” Individuals can acquire delta virus two ways: Either after infection with HBV, which is called a “superinfection” and more likely to stay chronic, or a “co-infection”, which entails becoming infected with both viruses at the same time. In the latter, acute infections are more severe and increase the likelihood of developing liver disease much more quickly. Worldwide, more than 15 million are infected, though fewer than 100,000 in the U.S. have the virus. It is concentrated in particular regions worldwide. Mediterranean areas such as southern Italy and southern Greece, for example, have larger than usual numbers of affected individuals, and in

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/hepatitis-d-coinfection-with-hepatitis-b/
  • World Hepatitis Day 2018

      You can help raise awareness and save lives… Tell us why you think hepatitis B testing is important!     Globally, 292 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B. Only 10 percent are aware of their diagnosis. Help us raise awareness for World Hepatitis Day (July 28th, 2018) by telling the world why it is important to get tested for hepatitis B! Create an awareness message about hepatitis B by answering the prompt below. The Hepatitis B Foundation will compile video entries for a larger video that will be released on World Hepatitis Day, July 28, 2018. Who Can Enter?: Anyone across the world! How to Enter! Record a short video or an audio clip of yourself (15 seconds or less) answering the prompt, “People should be tested for hepatitis B because ….” Note: You may choose the audio option if you wish to remain anonymous. Film yourself answering the above question. Your face and/or your picture does not have to be in the video; however, we must be able to hear you.  Keep your video no longer than 15 seconds Send your video to us: By uploading your video to our Google form By messaging us your video on Facebook By uploading it to our Dropbox By emailing it to us at info@hepb.org You can also email the file using wetransfer. Please ensure that you send the email to info@hepb.org When you send your video, please mention that you wish to participate in the World Hepatitis Day 2018 Campaign. Examples  WHD-Example-Image.mp4 WHD-Example.mp4 Video Tips/Guidelines Your video must be 15 seconds or less Your video should be in English Note: If your video is recorded in a language other than English, please provide the English translation. If possible, provide a timed script with timings of phrases. Videos must be recorded in Landscape/horizontal mode. Videos recorded in a Vertical format cannot be used. Record your video in a quiet area or with a microphone. Record your video in good lighting. Disclaimer By submitting a video to this campaign, participants give the Hepatitis B Foundation permission to use names (first names and/or initials will only be used), videos, voices, and likeness in the World Hepatitis Day campaign and promotion. The participant will waive any claims to royalty, right, or remuneration for such use. The Hepatitis B Foundation will not disclose any personal information obtained from participants (i.e., full names, email addresses, etc.) in the campaign to third parties and use the information for marketing and other purposes. For inspiration, visit our website, World Hepatitis Alliance’s Find the Missing Millions campaign, and CDC’s and Hep B United’s Know Hepatitis B campaign. Submission Period: You must submit your video by July 20, 2018 (Submission closes at 11:59 PM EST on 7/20/18) Have Questions? Please contact Kristine Alarcon at kristine.alarcon@hepb.org  

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/worldhepatitisday2018/