History of Hepatitis Delta Virus
1977 Dr.
Mario Rizzetto, gastroenterologist in Turin, Italy, discovered a
previously undetected nuclear antigen in hepatocytes of patients with chronic
type B hepatitis. The antigen was similar to Hepatitis B antigen. This
new antigen was called the delta antigen. Transmission experiments confirmed
the antigen was part of a pathogen that required coinfection with HBV.
early 1980s Researchers
recognized the delta antigen as a virus-like particle. The particle was
enveloped with hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) which explained its need for
coinfection. The antigen was found to be associated with the most severe forms
of acute and chronic hepatitis in HBsAg-positive patients. By this time,
researchers found evidence for delta agent infection on every populated
continent!
1983 The delta antigen was described as a distinct hepatitis virus, hepatitis delta virus (HDV). Especially high incidence was found in Venezuela causing severe hepatitis.
1986 Cloning and sequencing of the genome showed that HDV was a unique animal virus. However it showed many similarities to many plant pathogens.
Turin, Italy - Site of discovery
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