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Current Infectious Disease Reports
Published in: Current Infectious Disease Reports 1/2012

01-02-2012 | Intra-abdominal Infections, Hepatitis, and Gastroenteritis (DA Bobak, Section Editor)

Current Concept in the Pathophysiology of Hepatitis Delta Infection

Authors: Grazia Anna Niro, Antonina Smedile

Published in: Current Infectious Disease Reports | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a unique human virus, showing similarities with plant viroids. Although impressive knowledge on virus structure and replication has been achieved, several questions like HBV/HDV interaction and post translational modifications of HD antigens remain to be answered. Potential targets for therapeutic strategies are now emerging. To date, eight major genotypes of the HDV have been identified. The HDV-1 is the prevailing genotype in Europe, but migration phenomena may change this profile. Immune response is likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of HDV-induced liver disease; few data are available on T cells response either during infection and therapy. HDV usually suppresses HBV replication; recent studies show as viral dominances may change over time. Delta infection leads to severe liver disease, with different patterns of progression to liver fibrosis and decompensation. Beside the association between HDV/HBV and HCC is demonstrated a risk specifically related to HDV remains controversial.
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Metadata
Title
Current Concept in the Pathophysiology of Hepatitis Delta Infection
Authors
Grazia Anna Niro
Antonina Smedile
Publication date
01-02-2012
Publisher
Current Science Inc.
Published in
Current Infectious Disease Reports / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1523-3847
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3146
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-011-0233-5

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