Pathology and Pathogenesis


Pathology is limited to the liver, the only organ in which HDV can replicate. Hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation result. It is likely that HDV is not innately deleterious to the cells, as it releases no toxin and has no acute cytopathic effect. Rather, damage to the liver probably results from immune system action, although further investigation is needed. HBV infection is essential to a pathological outcome.
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