Causes of hepatitis D
Explore the cause of hepatitis D and how it is spread.
On this page
What causes hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus. It is a liver disease.
Hepatitis D is a virus that spreads in the human body only in the presence of hepatitis B virus. You can be infected at the same time with both hepatitis D and B. This is called co-infection.
You can also already be ill with hepatitis B and get infected with hepatitis D. This is called superinfection.
How is hepatitis D spread?
Hepatitis D is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. It can be passed by sharing personal items. It is rarely spread through sexual contact.