Hepatitis D Virus: Enigmas and Gaps of Knowledge
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a very peculiar virus that shares many characteristics with plant viroids. One of its unique characteristics is the requirement for the presence of a helper virus for its replication, and in particular enveloping its virion, a role often played by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Infection with HDV is frequently associated with more severe disease, which may present with fulminant hepatitis or a more rapid progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), when compared to HBV mono-infection. HDV exhibits many peculiarities and enigmas, which have led to it being considered a neglected virus. This review aims to identify the most important gaps in knowledge and peculiarities in the study of this enigmatic virus, from virology to clinical implications.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Hepatitis B Virus Studies
Hepatitis C virus research
Hepatitis Viruses Studies and Epidemiology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Viruses
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 244–244
- Publication date
- 14 February 2026
- Language
- EN