I mean what is the relation between this co-infection, and what is teh mechanism in which this co-infection occurs
2007-03-04 14:37:43 · 3 answers · asked by SUPERVISOR 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Hepatitis D is a "defective" virus, in that it lacks a particular protein necessary for the virus to successfully replicate and package itself inside host cells.
In order for the virus to replicate and grow, it has to "borrow" a protein from the Hepatitis B virus. It is blood borne, like HepB. If a person is immunized against Hepatitis B, then they are automatically protected against the Hep D virus (since they cannot be infected by Hep B, Hep D cannot survive and spread inside the host).
2007-03-04 15:55:46 · answer #1 · answered by Radon 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Wow. I've never heard of Hepatitis D. I know that Hepatitis C is spread by blood, such as blood transfusions. I believe B is sexually transmitted.
2007-03-04 14:42:29 · answer #2 · answered by Buffy C 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I take my hat off to the answer above. Good answer.
2007-03-04 19:27:55 · answer #3 · answered by Bacteria Boy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋