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Delta and non-A, non-B hepatitis viruses
F Bonino1, M Baldi, A Demartini
1Division of Gastroenterology, San Giovanni Battista Molinette Hospital, Torino, Italy.
Summary
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is the only characterized hepatotropic non-A and non-B virus, requiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection. Despite similar disease features, HDV and other non-A, non-B agents are minimally related.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a unique hepatotropic virus.
- HDV infection necessitates coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- Non-A and non-B (NANB) hepatitis agents remain under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV).
- To compare HDV with other putative Non-A and Non-B (NANB) hepatitis agents.
- To elucidate the relationship between HDV and NANB agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature and studies.
- Analysis of data from chimpanzee transmission experiments.
- Comparison of histologic, electron microscopic, biologic, epidemiologic, and clinical features.
- Assessment of cross-protection and nucleic acid hybridization data.
Main Results:
- Histologic and electron microscopic changes in HDV and NANB hepatitis are comparable.
- Some biologic, epidemiologic, and clinical features of HDV and NANB hepatitis overlap.
- Lack of cross-protection in transmission experiments suggests distinct agents.
- Absence of hybridization between HDV-RNA and NANB nucleic acids indicates minimal relation.
Conclusions:
- HDV is the only characterized hepatotropic NANB virus, requiring HBV coinfection.
- Despite similarities, HDV and putative NANB agents are minimally related.
- Further research is needed to fully understand NANB hepatitis agents.