Causes of Hepatitis D

What Causes Hepatitis D to Spread?

The hepatitis D virus is spread through infected bodily fluids. Infected blood and blood products are among the bodily fluids that can spread hepatitis D. Causes of hepatitis D transmission can include exposure to blood or blood products through working in a laboratory or a dialysis unit, through infected needles used for tattoos or body piercing, or through sharing drug needles. In a very few cases, people have been infected with hepatitis D by sharing objects that may have a very tiny amount of blood on them, such as a toothbrush, razor, or tools used for manicures.

 

Hepatitis D is also spread through contact with other infected bodily fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids, or saliva. A person cannot get hepatitis D from a kiss or other normal everyday activities, such as hugging or shaking hands.