Latest news with #HDV
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
THIS viral infection can cause cancer: How to stay safe
The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), have officially classified Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as a cancer-causing agent in humans. The WHO and IARC officially classify HDV as a major cause of liver cancer worldwide, alongside HBV and HCV. To protect your liver health, you need to understand HDV's nature, as well as its cancer-causing mechanisms, symptoms, risk factors and preventive measures. Let's dig deeper... What is Hepatitis D virus Hepatitis D virus is a small defective virus, which requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) to attack and multiply inside liver cells of humans. This virus cannot independently infect any person. The Hepatitis D virus takes advantage of hepatitis B infection processes, to perform its cycle. People with existing hepatitis B infections or dual HBV and HDV infections, become the only targets for HDV infection. The combined viral infections result in a more severe medical condition than HBV infections would produce by themselves. The virus exists throughout the world, yet it appears more frequently in Asian and African territories, along with Eastern European areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Successful Way of Intraday Trading is "Market Profile" TradeWise Learn More Undo How does HDV cause liver cancer The virus causes liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC) through cell damage that alters cell growth patterns and division processes. The joint action of HDV and HBV causes liver inflammation, which over time, progresses to cirrhosis, and eventually leads to cancer development. The molecular signature of liver cancer linked to HDV infection stands apart from liver cancers developed from HBV or HCV infections, according to current scientific studies. Some key ways HDV promotes cancer include Genetic instability: HDV damages DNA molecules and disrupts cellular repair processes, which result in genetic material errors that lead to liver cell malignancies. The viral proteins of HDV trigger cell growth pathways, while simultaneously activating survival mechanisms and inflammation response. The reactive oxygen species levels increase, when HDV proteins are present which also triggers STAT-3 and NF-kB signaling molecules, to promote cancer cell development and survival. Epigenetic changes: HDV affects proteins that control gene expression (without changing DNA code), helping abnormal cell growth. Fibrosis becomes more severe under HDV infection, through TGF-β molecule activation, which leads to tissue scarring. The development of liver cancer becomes much more likely when patients have cirrhosis. HDV causes liver damage independently from HBV through distinct molecular pathways, which makes HDV infection particularly dangerous for liver health. Symptoms and risks of HDV infection The detection of HDV becomes challenging because its symptoms match other liver disease symptoms. Common signs include: Feeling very tired or weak Nausea and loss of appetite Pain or discomfort in the upper right belly Dark urine Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) HDV infection that continues chronically, results in major liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer development beyond HBV infection alone. The development of cirrhosis occurs in 80% of people with chronic HDV infection, which dramatically increases their risk for liver cancer and liver failure. The co-existence of HDV and HBV in patients leads to accelerated liver disease progression, which requires urgent detection and treatment because of its severe consequences. How is Hepatitis D Virus transmitted The transmission of HDV occurs primarily through blood and bodily fluid contact, which shares similarities with HBV transmission. This can happen due to: Sharing needles or syringes Unsafe medical procedures or transfusions Sexual contact with an infected person From mother to baby during birth (less common) Hepatitis D infection prevention depends on hepatitis B virus vaccination, because HDV cannot replicate without HBV. Prevention and treatment Hepatitis B vaccination: The complete hepatitis B vaccination series offers full protection against hepatitis B and hepatitis D infections because HDV requires HBV to infect. People can reduce their exposure to the virus, through needle-sharing prevention, safe sexual conduct and screened blood products. People with hepatitis B need to undergo testing for HDV infection, especially when their liver disease shows rapid deterioration. The current treatment options for HDV are very scarce. The development of new medication bulevirtide, focuses on blocking HDV entry into liver cells. The main focus should remain on controlling HBV infections alongside liver health support. Why is this WHO classification important The WHO and IARC classification of HDV as a cancer-causing agent demonstrates the severe health dangers this virus presents to individuals. HDV infection: This virus leads to more severe liver cancer development, at a faster rate than HBV alone. The global community needs to increase awareness about HDV, and develop better testing methods while implementing specific treatment protocols. Preventive HBV vaccination remains the primary strategy Governments , together with health organisations, should make hepatitis D a priority in their public health strategies to decrease worldwide liver cancer deaths. Sources: Diaz G et al., Molecular Signature and Mechanisms of Hepatitis D Virus–Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma, PMC (2018) Farci P, Hepatitis D Virus and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, PMC (2021) World Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatitis D and hepatocellular carcinoma (2015) WHO Fact Sheet, Hepatitis D (2025) WHO News, WHO announces hepatitis D as carcinogenic (2025)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
How Hepatitis D virus can cause liver cancer: Know its symptoms, risks, causes, and more
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have officially classified the Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans. This places HDV alongside Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as major causes of liver cancer. The reclassification is based on increasing evidence of HDV's severe health risks, especially its role in accelerating liver damage and cancer in co-infected individuals. This important update emphasises the urgent need for better awareness, expanded testing, and improved treatment options to combat HDV and reduce the global burden of liver cancer and liver-related deaths. Understanding Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) and its symptoms Hepatitis D is a unique and dangerous virus that requires the presence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) to infect and replicate. HDV cannot infect people on its own; it "hijacks" the HBV infection process, resulting in more severe liver disease when both viruses coexist. Symptoms of HDV infection often overlap with other liver diseases and can be easily overlooked. Common signs include: Fatigue and weakness Nausea and loss of appetite Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right side Dark-coloured urine Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) Unexplained weight loss Fever Because symptoms may be mild or mistaken for other illnesses, many individuals delay seeking medical care, increasing the risk of serious liver damage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Signs Of Heart Attack That Shouldn't Be Ignored (Take A Look) TheDaddest Undo What causes Hepatitis D virus infection HDV spreads primarily through direct contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Common modes of transmission include: Infected blood transfusions or blood products Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person Sharing needles or syringes among people who inject drugs Unsafe medical procedures involving non-sterile equipment Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth (less common) Because HDV can only infect individuals already carrying HBV, anyone with chronic hepatitis B is at risk of contracting HDV. Who is at risk of Hepatitis D Infection Populations at higher risk for HDV infection include: People living in regions with high HBV prevalence such as parts of Asia, Africa, and the Amazon Basin People who inject drugs and share needles Patients receiving haemodialysis or undergoing frequent blood transfusions Individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who engage in unprotected sex Infants born to mothers infected with both HBV and HDV Awareness and screening in these groups are essential for early detection Global impact: How widespread is Hepatitis D According to the WHO, over 300 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis B, C, or D, contributing to about 1.3 million deaths annually, mostly from liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. About 5% of chronic HBV carriers, roughly 12 million people worldwide, are co-infected with HDV. Why is Hepatitis D considered dangerous Co-infection with HDV dramatically worsens liver health outcomes. Research shows: HDV increases the risk of liver cancer by two to six times compared with HBV infection alone. Up to 75% of chronic HDV patients develop liver cirrhosis within 15 years, which is significantly higher than HBV-only cases. HDV accelerates liver inflammation and damage, raising the risk of severe complications and death. Current treatment options for Hepatitis D While chronic HBV infection can be managed with lifelong antiviral therapies, treatment options for HDV are limited but improving: Bulevirtide: Approved in Europe, this antiviral helps block HDV entry into liver cells, improving outcomes, especially when combined with pegylated interferon. Pegylated interferon: Sometimes used to suppress HDV replication, but effectiveness varies. No specific hepatitis D vaccine exists; prevention depends on hepatitis B vaccination, which protects against both HBV and HDV infections. Progress in global hepatitis B vaccination and testing Vaccination remains the most effective prevention method. As of 2025: 129 countries have adopted hepatitis B testing for pregnant women (up from 106 in 2024). 147 countries provide the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine (up from 138 in 2022). These efforts are critical to preventing HBV and consequently HDV transmission. Expert recommendations to combat Hepatitis D To achieve WHO's hepatitis elimination goals by 2030, health authorities must: Scale up hepatitis B vaccination coverage worldwide Ensure universal testing of HBV-positive individuals for HDV Expand access to novel HDV therapies and affordable medicines Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and data systems Combat stigma and discrimination around viral hepatitis to encourage testing and treatment Meeting these goals could save 2.8 million lives and prevent 9.8 million new infections by 2030. Also read | Testicular cancer symptoms men often miss: Know the risks, treatment options, and what to watch for
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Hepatitis D virus labelled cancer-causing agent: All you need to know
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has formally reclassified the Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans, placing it alongside Hepatitis B and C as known causes of liver cancer. This reclassification, supported by data from a study published in The Lancet Oncology, marks a critical step in global efforts to raise awareness, improve screening, and expand access to new treatments for hepatitis D. What's the latest According to WHO, Hepatitis B, C, and D together affect over 300 million people globally, contributing to around 1.3 million deaths each year, primarily from liver cirrhosis and cancer. Current estimates suggest HDV infects nearly 5 per cent of people with chronic HBV (hepatitis B virus), equating to around 12 million individuals worldwide. High-risk populations include those in regions with elevated HBV prevalence, such as parts of Asia, Africa and the Amazon Basin as well as people who inject drugs and recipients of haemodialysis. Why is hepatitis D considered dangerous? HDV can only infect individuals who already carry HBV. HDV essentially hijacks HBV to replicate and cannot cause infection on its own. Co-infection or superinfection with HBV dramatically worsens outcomes as HDV raises the risk of liver cancer by two to six times compared with HBV alone, said the study. Up to 75 per cent of chronic HDV patients were likely to develop liver cirrhosis within 15 years, whereas individuals with only HBV were about 50 per cent less likely to develop liver cancer. The virus spreads through infected blood, unprotected sex, unsafe injections, or occasionally passes from mother to child during birth. Symptoms usually include fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine or yellowing of the skin. Many people ignore these signs or confuse them with other illnesses. Treatment landscape While HBV can be controlled with life-long antivirals, options for HDV are more limited but evolving. The antiviral bulevirtide has emerged in Europe as an approved therapy offering improved outcomes alongside pegylated interferon in some cases. There is no separate vaccine for hepatitis D. The only way to stop it is by getting the hepatitis B vaccine, which protects against both viruses. According to WHO, as of 2025, 129 countries have adopted policies for hepatitis B testing among pregnant women, up from 106 reported in 2024. Meanwhile 147 countries have introduced the hepatitis B birth dose vaccination, an increase from 138 in 2022. However, the 2024 Global Hepatitis Report highlights major gaps in testing and treatment. By 2022, only 13 per cent of people with hepatitis B and 36 per cent with hepatitis C were diagnosed, while treatment rates were just 3 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively. This was well below the 2025 targets of 60 per cent diagnosed and 50 per cent treated. The integration of hepatitis services remains uneven, with only 80 countries incorporating hepatitis services into primary health care so far. What this means for public health The designation of HDV as Group 1 carcinogen by IARC is expected to mobilise funding, enhance surveillance and improve global awareness about its risks. Experts urge governments and health systems to scale up HBV vaccination coverage ensure universal testing in HBV-positive individuals expand access to novel HDV therapies To meet WHO's 2030 goals and potentially save 2.8 million lives while preventing 9.8 million new infections, countries must invest in domestic healthcare systems, ensure affordable medicines, improve data systems, and address stigmas. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
WHO, IARC officially label hepatitis D virus as cancer-causing agent
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has formally reclassified the Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans, placing it alongside Hepatitis B and C as known causes of liver cancer. This reclassification, supported by data from a study published in The Lancet Oncology, marks a critical step in global efforts to raise awareness, improve screening, and expand access to new treatments for hepatitis D. According to WHO, Hepatitis B, C, and D together affect over 300 million people globally, contributing to around 1.3 million deaths each year, primarily from liver cirrhosis and cancer. Current estimates suggest HDV infects nearly 5 per cent of people with chronic HBV (hepatitis B virus), equating to around 12 million individuals worldwide. High-risk populations include those in regions with elevated HBV prevalence, such as parts of Asia, Africa and the Amazon Basin as well as people who inject drugs and recipients of haemodialysis. Why is hepatitis D considered dangerous? HDV can only infect individuals who already carry HBV. HDV essentially hijacks HBV to replicate and cannot cause infection on its own. Co-infection or superinfection with HBV dramatically worsens outcomes as HDV raises the risk of liver cancer by two to six times compared with HBV alone, said the study. Up to 75 per cent of chronic HDV patients were likely to develop liver cirrhosis within 15 years, whereas individuals with only HBV were about 50 per cent less likely to develop liver cancer. The virus spreads through infected blood, unprotected sex, unsafe injections, or occasionally passes from mother to child during birth. Symptoms usually include fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine or yellowing of the skin. Many people ignore these signs or confuse them with other illnesses. Treatment landscape While HBV can be controlled with life-long antivirals, options for HDV are more limited but evolving. The antiviral bulevirtide has emerged in Europe as an approved therapy offering improved outcomes alongside pegylated interferon in some cases. There is no separate vaccine for hepatitis D. The only way to stop it is by getting the hepatitis B vaccine, which protects against both viruses. According to WHO, as of 2025, 129 countries have adopted policies for hepatitis B testing among pregnant women, up from 106 reported in 2024. Meanwhile 147 countries have introduced the hepatitis B birth dose vaccination, an increase from 138 in 2022. However, the 2024 Global Hepatitis Report highlights major gaps in testing and treatment. By 2022, only 13 per cent of people with hepatitis B and 36 per cent with hepatitis C were diagnosed, while treatment rates were just 3 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively. This was well below the 2025 targets of 60 per cent diagnosed and 50 per cent treated. The integration of hepatitis services remains uneven, with only 80 countries incorporating hepatitis services into primary health care so far. What this means for public health The designation of HDV as Group 1 carcinogen by IARC is expected to mobilise funding, enhance surveillance and improve global awareness about its risks. Experts urge governments and health systems to scale up HBV vaccination coverage ensure universal testing in HBV-positive individuals expand access to novel HDV therapies To meet WHO's 2030 goals and potentially save 2.8 million lives while preventing 9.8 million new infections, countries must invest in domestic healthcare systems, ensure affordable medicines, improve data systems, and address stigmas. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
WHO classifies Hepatitis D as cancer-causing: Why taking the Hepatitis B vaccine helps
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently announced the reclassification of hepatitis D as cancerous, emphasising the urgency for preventing viral hepatitis, which is a growing public health crisis. 'Every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related severe liver disease or liver cancer. Yet we have the tools to stop hepatitis,' Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, MD, WHO Director-General, said in an official news release. The WHO's announcement stems from the International Agency for Research on Cancer's (IARC) reclassification of hepatitis D as carcinogenic, supported by data from a study published in 'The Lancet Oncology., 'In India, the prevalence of hepatitis D, caused by a virus, is low in the general population but may be underestimated in high-risk groups such as intravenous drug users and those with chronic hepatitis B. Public education on safe blood usage, avoidance of needle-sharing and safe sex practice like using barrier contraception prevents transmission,' says Dr Piyush Ranjan, vice-chairperson, Institute Of Liver Gastroenterology & Pancreatic Biliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. Why hepatitis D is considered carcinogenic All types of hepatitis are associated with acute liver infection; however, only hepatitis B, C, and D can lead to chronic infections with a higher risk of liver cirrhosis, failure or cancer. According to the authors of the study's findings, hepatitis D is associated with a two- to six-fold higher risk of liver cancer compared with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). However, it is an incompetent virus that requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. This means it cannot cause infection alone and triggers co-infections only with the hepatitis B virus. So hepatitis D only affects people who already have hepatitis B either simultaneously or sequentially. Hepatitis B & D co-infection runs a more severe course for risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis B can cause liver cancer even without causing cirrhosis as it gets integrated in the DNA of cells. Hepatitis D virus augments the carcinogenic effect of Hepatitis B. As per the data, 75 per cent of hepatitis D patients could develop liver cirrhosis within 15 years. People who have contracted hepatitis B alone are 50 per cent less likely to develop liver cancer as compared to people who have hepatitis B and D coinfection. What is the mode of transmission? The mode of transmission is similar to hepatitis B and C, that is through parenteral route or injections and transfusion, mother to child transmission and sexual contact. How is hepatitis D diagnosed? A blood test (HDV-RNA test) shows antibodies. How can we prevent Hepatitis D? Universal hepatitis B vaccination indirectly prevents hepatitis D. Despite hepatitis B being included in the national immunisation programme, the vaccine coverage is a dismal 50 per cent. Managing infections among those already affected remains difficult owing to the limited availability of approved therapies, although emerging options like bulevirtide give an assurance. The carcinogen tag is expected to enhance global surveillance, funding and research to reduce the burden of HDV-related liver cancer. Prevention also relies on safe blood bank practices, safe sex, screening and avoiding needle sharing. How to take the Hepatitis B vaccine? Hepatitis B vaccine may be given in any of the following schedules: Birth, 1 and 6 months; birth, 6 and 14 weeks; 6, 10 and 14 weeks; birth, 6, 10 and 14 weeks. In catch up vaccination, use 0, 1 and 6 months schedule. An adult, especially if in a high risk comorbidity group, should take the hepatitis B vaccine in three shots. The second dose is given a month after the first, and the third dose is given six months after the second.
