ABSTRACT

HBV and HDV share with hepatitis C virus a major route of transmission (parenteral), risk factors for infection and the propensity for persistent infection leading to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. Individuals in high-risk groups (Table 3.1) may be infected with all three viruses. Epidemiological differences, including high rates of sexual and vertical transmission for HBV, but low for HDV and HCV, may reflect differing efficiencies of transmission and levels of viremia. HCV is reviewed in Chapter 4.