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hepatitis D virus

noun
variants: or hepatitis delta virus

Definition of hepatitis D virus

: a single-stranded RNA virus (species Hepatitis delta virus of the genus Deltavirus) that lacks an outer protein coat and is the causative agent of hepatitis D

Note: In order for the hepatitis D virus to replicate and cause infection, the virus causing hepatitis B must also be present in the body to supply the proteins necessary to form its protein coat.

—abbreviation HDV

— called also delta agent, delta virus

First Known Use of hepatitis D virus

1986, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for hepatitis D virus

hepatitis D virus

noun
variants: or hepatitis delta virus

Medical Definition of hepatitis D virus

: a single-stranded RNA virus (species Hepatitis delta virus of the genus Deltavirus) that lacks an outer protein coat and is the causative agent of hepatitis D

Note: In order for the hepatitis D virus to replicate and cause infection, the virus causing hepatitis B must also be present in the body to supply the proteins necessary to form its protein coat.

Human hepatitis delta virus, or HDV, is harmless when on its own, but can cause devastating liver disease when it teams up with the hepatitis B virus.— Philip Cohen, New Scientist, 12 Oct. 1996 —abbreviation HDV

— called also delta agent, delta virus

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