Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM)
Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM)
Hepatitis D, also known as delta hepatitis, is a severe form of liver disease caused by the hepatitis D or delta virus (HDV). Unlike other viral causes of hepatitis, HDV is a faulty virus requiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication and infection. As a result, HDV infection is always associated with hepatitis B infection, affecting susceptible people either through HDV-HBV coinfection or HDV superinfection.
The HDV-HBV coinfection is particularly aggressive and a significant cause of chronic liver disease. Over time, it can lead to severe complications, including liver failure, cirrhosis and, in some cases, liver cancer, underscoring the urgent need for early diagnosis and prompt patient treatment.
Doctors use the Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody (HDV IgM) test to diagnose individuals with chronic HBV infection or intravenous drug use suspected of having acute hepatitis D infection. The HDV IgM test utilizes enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to detect IgM antibodies specific to HDV. These antibodies are produced early during the disease, making the test an effective diagnostic tool
What is Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody Used For?
The intended use of the Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody test is:
For diagnosing acute or recent hepatitis D infection among patient with hepatitis B virus infection
Symptoms of Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D in 90% cases, does not cause symptoms. But when symptoms occur, they are similar to other forms of viral hepatitis and may include
People who are HBV carriers when acquiring hepatitis D often end up developing chronic hepatitis D infection.
Fatigue, Nausea & Vomiting
Pain in the upper right corner of the abdomen
Loss of appetite
Tea-colored urine and pale stools
Yellowing of the skin and Eyes (Jaundice)
Joint pain
Preparation for Test
To take the Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody test, you don’t need to prepare in advance
Interpretation of Test Results
The following results are present in patients having coinfection of HDV and HBV.
Positive results (Abnormal)
This report indicates the presence of IgM antibodies against the hepatitis D virus, which suggests recent or acute HDV infection. But, its titers are even higher in patients with persistent chronic HDV infection. Results should be correlated with clinical history and other laboratory data.
Negative result(Normal)
It indicates the likely absence of detectable IgM antibodies in the sample, which may occur in patients with previous HDV infection
FAQs
How does one get infected with Hepatitis D virus?
Like hepatitis B virus, HDV can spread via injection, tattooing, etc.) or by coming in contact with infected blood or body fluids. Transmission of the virus from mother to unborn child is possible but generally rare
How soon after exposure can HDV IgM antibodies be detected??
The immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-HDV is detectable in the blood within 2 to 3 weeks of symptom onset and disappears 2 months after acute HDV infection but remains detectable up to nine months in people with HDV superinfection
Are there limitations to the Hepatitis Delta IgM Antibody test?
Like all immunoassays, this assay may occasionally yield negative results due to unrelated causes (for example, testing errors). However, a negative HDV antibody test result does not necessarily rule out the HDV exposure or infection
What are the possible reasons for a positive HDV IgM antibody test?
A positive HDV IgM antibody test typically indicates an acute or recent hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. But, it could also develop as a result of past infection, chronic infection, coinfection with HBV, or, on rare occasions, recent hepatitis B vaccination. Further laboratory investigation and clinical evaluation are needed to confirm the cause of the positive result
Related tests
Tests At Lupin Diagnostics