Reflex Testing for Hepatitis D Infection: A Unique Opportunity to Reduce Hepatitis D-Related Chronic Liver Disease Deaths in Australia

Howell, J; Andersson, L; Levy, MT; O&#39;Beirne, J; Adams, L; Irvine, K; Majumdar, A; Ahlenstiel, G; Jackson, K; Hajkowicz, K; Doyle, J; Davies, J; Cherian, S; Dimech, W; Thompson, AJ

Author(s): Howell, J; Andersson, L; Levy, MT; O'Beirne, J; Adams, L; Irvine, K; Majumdar, A; Ahlenstiel, G; Jackson, K; Hajkowicz, K; Doyle, J; Davies, J; Cherian, S; Dimech, W; Thompson, AJ;
Details: Publication Year 2026-04,Volume 224,Issue #4,Page e70170
Journal Title: Medical Journal of Australia
Publication Type: Commentary
Abstract: Chronic hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection always occurs as a coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is the most severe form of viral hepatitis, associated with a high risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. Effective treatment is now available for HDV-HBV coinfection and HDV screening is recommended for all people living with HBV, yet most people in Australia with HDV-HBV are diagnosed too late to prevent complications. This article calls for an urgent change in HDV testing policy and funding to implement reflex HDV antibody (anti-HDV) testing for all people diagnosed with HBV infection, thus enabling timely diagnosis of HDV-HBV coinfection and rapid access to life-saving treatment.
Publisher: Wiley
Keywords: Humans; Australia/epidemiology; *Hepatitis D, Chronic/diagnosis/mortality/complications; Coinfection/diagnosis; Mass Screening/methods; Hepatitis Delta Virus/immunology; Hepatitis B, Chronic/diagnosis; clinical pathology; hepatitis B; hepatocellular carcinoma; liver cirrhosis; liver diseases; viral hepatitis
Department(s): Laboratory Research
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.70170
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.70170
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2026-04-14 03:18:18

Last Modified: 2026-04-14 03:18:35