Delta hepatitis: first two cases identified in Kansas City

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) was identified in 1977 and has since been found to be a worldwide disease. Prevalence in North America is highest among drug abusers. We present two IV drug abusers from the city hospital in Kansas City as the first two cases identified in the city, one with apparent superinfection and the other with a chronic HDV infection. We review the various manifestations and diagnosis of HDV, and advocate prevention of spread of HDV infection by hepatitis B vaccination and use of single donor blood products in high-risk patients.