Hepatitis D Epidemiology Forecast 2025-2034

According to the World Health Organization, hepatitis D is believed to impact around 5% of individuals worldwide who are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus. When both hepatitis D and hepatitis B infections are present, the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and experiencing liver-related mortality increases significantly, often leading to faster disease progression.

Hepatitis D Epidemiology Forecast Report Coverage

The Hepatitis D Epidemiology Forecast Report 2025-2034 delivers a comprehensive analysis of the condition’s prevalence and associated demographic factors. It projects future incidence and prevalence trends across diverse population groups, considering key variables such as age, gender, and hepatitis D type. The report highlights change in prevalence over time and offers data-driven forecasts based on influencing factors. Additionally, it provides an in-depth overview of the disease, along with historical and projected epidemiological data for eight key markets:

The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, and India.

Hepatitis D:

Disease Overview

Hepatitis D is a rare but severe liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus. It only occurs in individuals who are already infected with the hepatitis B virus, as hepatitis D requires hepatitis B to replicate. This co-infection can result in more aggressive liver disease, leading to faster progression to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Symptoms may include fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea. The condition is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Early diagnosis and management are essential to prevent long-term complications and improve patient outcomes.

Epidemiology Overview

The hepatitis D epidemiology section presents insights into the patient population, spanning historical data to future projections across the eight key markets. The Research analyses numerous studies to deliver both current and forecasted trends related to hepatitis D. The report also includes data on diagnosed cases, segmented by age groups and patient categories.

• According to the World Health Organization, approximately 5% of individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infection also contract the hepatitis D virus. Over 90% of these individuals go on to develop a chronic hepatitis D infection lasting more than six months.
• In The United States, around 100,000 people are believed to be co-infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis D. A 2020 study in the Journal of Hepatology, conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization, suggests that co-infection with hepatitis D may be responsible for nearly 20% of liver disease and liver cancer cases among those living with hepatitis B.

Hepatitis D:

Treatment Overview

Hepatitis D treatment remains challenging due to the virus’s dependence on hepatitis B for replication. There are limited approved therapies, and management primarily aims to suppress viral activity, slow disease progression, and prevent complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Treatment is most effective when initiated early. Patients require ongoing monitoring of liver function, and in advanced cases, liver transplantation may be considered. Research is ongoing to develop more effective antivirals and immunomodulators.

1. Pegylated Interferon Alpha (Peg-IFN-α)

Pegylated interferon alpha is currently the primary treatment for hepatitis D. It works by stimulating the immune system to attack the virus. Typically administered weekly via injection for at least 48 weeks, its efficacy varies, with only a subset of patients achieving a sustained virologic response. Side effects may include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, mood changes, and decreased white blood cell counts. Despite its limitations, Peg-IFN-α remains the standard of care due to the absence of other widely approved antiviral treatments specific to hepatitis D.

2. Bulevirtide (Hepcludex)

Bulevirtide is a newer antiviral agent approved in some regions for treating chronic hepatitis D in patients with compensated liver disease. It works by blocking viral entry into liver cells, reducing viral replication. Administered through daily subcutaneous injection, it can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with pegylated interferon. Clinical trials have shown promise in reducing hepatitis D viral load and improving liver function markers. Side effects are generally mild but may include injection site reactions and increased bile acid levels.

3. Liver Transplantation

For patients with end-stage liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma due to hepatitis D and B co-infection, liver transplantation is often the only curative option. It replaces the damaged liver with a healthy donor organ, significantly improving survival and quality of life. However, lifelong immunosuppression is required to prevent rejection, and there is a risk of reinfection if hepatitis B is not well-controlled. Candidates undergo rigorous assessment to determine suitability, and post-transplant antiviral therapy is typically necessary.

4. Nucleos(t)ide Analogues (e.g., Tenofovir, Entecavir)

Though not directly effective against hepatitis D, nucleos(t)ide analogues are often used to manage the coexisting hepatitis B virus infection. Suppressing hepatitis B viral replication can help reduce liver inflammation and damage, indirectly benefiting patients with hepatitis D. These medications are taken orally and are generally well tolerated, with minimal side effects. They play a supportive role in comprehensive hepatitis D management and may be used alongside other therapies like pegylated interferon or bulevirtide.

5. Immunomodulatory Therapies (Experimental)

Emerging research is exploring immunomodulatory agents that enhance the body's immune response to hepatitis D. These treatments aim to boost specific immune pathways or modify cytokine activity to suppress viral replication. Though not yet approved, clinical trials are ongoing, and initial results show promise in reducing viral load and improving liver enzyme levels. These therapies could provide additional options, especially for patients who do not respond to existing treatments, and represent a hopeful development in the long-term management of hepatitis D.

Hepatitis D:

Burden Analysis

Hepatitis D significantly impacts the quality of life for those affected, particularly those co-infected with hepatitis B. Chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, contributing to premature mortality. Patients experience fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, and complications related to liver dysfunction, severely affecting daily functioning and well-being. Due to limited treatment options, managing hepatitis D often requires lifelong care, causing ongoing emotional and financial stress. In advanced cases, liver transplantation may be necessary, further complicating patients' quality of life. The disease also has a significant socio-economic burden due to healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Key Epidemiology Trends

The epidemiology of diseases is constantly evolving, and recent trends reflect the growing complexity of health challenges. Here are five key epidemiological trends in global health:

1. Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The prevalence of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions has risen dramatically over the past few decades. This is attributed to urbanization, changes in diet, and increased sedentary lifestyles. Chronic conditions now represent the leading causes of mortality worldwide, especially in high-income countries, where lifestyle-related diseases are more common. With longer life expectancies and aging populations, the burden of chronic diseases is expected to continue increasing, posing challenges for healthcare systems globally.

2. Shift in Infectious Disease Burden

Infectious diseases, once considered largely under control in developed countries, are making a resurgence due to factors like antimicrobial resistance and new pathogens emerging from zoonotic sources. Diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV continue to impact low- and middle-income countries, but new outbreaks, such as those of novel coronavirus strains, show how quickly the global health landscape can change. The global interconnectedness of travel and trade also facilitates the rapid spread of infections, making it crucial for nations to collaborate on surveillance and containment strategies.

3. Growing Impact of Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders have become an increasingly important concern in global epidemiology. The rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions is linked to societal factors like stress, economic instability, and social isolation. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental illness is slowly decreasing, leading to higher reporting rates and recognition of mental health as a critical area for healthcare intervention. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this trend, with isolation, fear, and uncertainty contributing to a surge in mental health issues globally.

4. Obesity and Overweight Prevalence

Obesity has become a global epidemic, with significant increases in both developed and developing countries. The rise in calorie-dense, nutrient-poor diets, coupled with reduced physical activity, has led to higher rates of obesity, especially in children and adolescents. Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. The epidemiological trend points to the need for public health interventions focusing on diet, exercise, and early education to prevent the development of obesity and its associated complications.

5. Emerging Environmental Health Threats

Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental threats to global health. Increasing temperatures, air pollution, and extreme weather events contribute to a wide range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, heat-related illnesses, and the spread of infectious diseases like malaria and dengue fever. The impact of climate change is disproportionately felt by vulnerable populations in low-income countries, where access to healthcare and resources is limited. Public health responses are increasingly focusing on building resilience to environmental health risks, including improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices.

Analysis By Region

The epidemiology of Hepatitis D varies across countries and regions due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic factors, cultural attitudes towards pain, and access to pain management therapies. Understanding these variations is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes.

Key regions include:

• The United States
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• The United Kingdom
• Japan
• India

These regions exhibit distinct epidemiological trends, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities within their healthcare systems.

The epidemiology of hepatitis D differs greatly across countries due to variations in hepatitis B prevalence, healthcare availability, and risk factors such as injection drug use. Public health initiatives, such as hepatitis B vaccination, are known to play a significant role in controlling the spread of hepatitis D. In nations like Germany, Italy, Spain, and France, the prevalence of hepatitis D has remained steady at around 8-10% over the past 10 to 15 years, with a significant portion of cases linked to immigrants from regions such as Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet Union.

Key Questions Answered

• How do socioeconomic factors influence the prevalence and outcomes of infectious diseases in low-income versus high-income countries?
• What role does genetic predisposition play in the epidemiology of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions or diabetes?
• How do global migration patterns impact the epidemiology of infectious diseases, especially in terms of disease spread and vaccination coverage?
• How can early diagnosis and improved healthcare access influence the long-term prognosis of rare diseases in different populations?
• What impact do climate change and environmental pollution have on the emergence of new diseases or the spread of existing ones?
• How does the implementation of public health policies, such as vaccination programs, affect disease burden and morbidity rates in different regions?
• What are the emerging trends in the epidemiology of mental health disorders, and how are they linked to social and environmental factors?
• How do cultural and behavioural factors influence the transmission of diseases, particularly sexually transmitted infections?
• What are the challenges in accurately estimating the global burden of rare diseases, and how can epidemiological data collection be improved?
• How do changes in lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, affect the epidemiology of obesity-related conditions like hypertension and diabetes?

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a detailed analysis of signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and classification/types of hepatitis D based on several factors.
• The hepatitis D epidemiology forecast report covers data for the eight major markets (the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and India)
• The report helps to identify the patient population, the unmet needs of hepatitis D are highlighted along with an assessment of the disease's risk and burden.