Thelansis

  Hepatitis Delta is the most severe form of viral hepatitis in humans and is caused by infection with the hepatitis delta virus (HDV). HDV is the only virus in the genus Deltaviridae. It is not classified as a viral family because it is a unique virus dependent on HBV. The HBV-dependent replication of HDV produces two forms of an RNA-binding protein known as the long and small delta antigens (Ag). All other proteins needed for the replication, especially the RNA-directed RNA polymerase activity, are provided by the host cell. Thus, it can only cause disease in individuals who carry HBV. HDV infection is majorly transmitted via the parenteral route through exposure to blood or blood products. The hepatitis delta virus expresses only one protein, the hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), which comprises a nucleocapsid-like structure with the genome. There are two forms of HDAg: small and large. Together, these and the single-stranded RNA genome are surrounded by a lipid envelope, which is...