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Semin Liver Dis 2012; 32(03): 211-219
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1323626
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Epidemiology of Hepatitis D

Mario Rizzetto
1   Division of Gastroenterology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
,
Alessia Ciancio
1   Division of Gastroenterology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 August 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Hepatitis D occurs worldwide. The major victims of the hepatitis D virus (HDV) are individuals carrying the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); around 5% of the HBsAg carriers in the world are infected also by HDV. With the implementation of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination since the 1990s, the incidence of hepatitis D has consistently declined in the developed world, particularly in Southern Europe; however, immigrants from areas where HDV remains endemic are reintroducing the infection.

Hepatitis D continues to ravage populations of developing and poor countries where HBV remains unchecked; action is needed to enforce HBV vaccination as effective prophylaxis not only against HBV, but against HDV as well.

Keywords

HDV epidemiology - HDV prevalence - HDV transmission - HDV worldwide impact