Current Affairs - Science - Discussion

The World Health Organisation has reclassified Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) as carcinogenic due to its strong association with liver cancer. Hepatitis D is a defective virus that requires the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) for replication and transmission. It can cause co-infection or superinfection in HBV patients, raising the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma by 2–6 times compared to HBV alone. Though its prevalence in India is considered low, it may be underreported, especially in high-risk groups. Prevention relies mainly on universal Hepatitis B vaccination, alongside safe medical practices, blood screening, and targeted surveillance in vulnerable populations.