Hepatitis D, B and C virus (HDV/HBV/HCV) coinfection as a diagnostic problem and therapeutic challenge

Coinfection with hepatitis D virus (HDV) in chronic hepatitis B is associated with more rapid progression to liver cirrhosis. We present two cases of infection with hepatitis D, B and C viruses. Both male patients were primarily diagnosed as infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), HBsAg-positive and anti-HCV-positive. The first patient was treated with interferon, lamivudine and pegylated interferon. A full virological and biochemical response was achieved. The second patient was treated with interferon and ribavirin, lamivudine and twice with pegylated interferon. In the ultrasound elastography progression of liver fibrosis to F4 was described. HDV infection should be considered in patients with HBV minireplication, high activity of aminotransferases and progression of liver disease despite a good virological response to anti-HBV treatment. Efficacy of interferon in HDV infection is severely limited.