For those stating there isn't much Hep D in the US – the truth is we have very little Idea how much Hep D there is in the US.
Recent estimates say that 80% of chronic HBV patients aren't even diagnosed in the US and, as is clear from this discussion, many here don't even test their known chronic Hep B patients routinely.
While it's true that often times HBV/HDV co-infection leads to more serious disease, that isn't always the case and isn't even usually the case for patients that are infected with both at the same time. Superinfection with Hep D is usually a more severe form of disease.
Since even anti-virally treated chronic HBV patients can spread HDV to other Hep B patients and since it can be a very serious disease, it is important to identify Hep D patients and thus stands to reason that all chronic Hep B patients should be screened at least once,
especially if they are triply infected with HIV.
Dr. Tom McQuaid FNP-BC, AAHIVS
Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified
HIV Specialist- American Academy of HIV Medicine
Anchor Health Initiative
30 Myano Lane, Suite 16
Stamford, CT 06902
203-674-1102 (office)
917-566-3554 (cell)
tmcquaid@anchorhealthinitiative.org
The information contained in this transmission may contain privileged and confidential information, including patient information protected by federal and state privacy laws. It is intended only for the use of the person(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.
The information contained in this transmission may contain privileged and confidential information, including patient information protected by federal and state privacy laws. It is intended only for the use of the person(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.