WHO Declares Hepatitis D as Carcinogenic

In July 2025, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO-IARC) classified the hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans, highlighting its strong link to liver cancer and urging increased screening and access to treatments.

What is Hepatitis D?

Aspect	Details
Disease Type	A liver infection caused by the hepatitis delta virus (HDV).
Dependence on HBV	HDV cannot exist on its own; it requires the hepatitis B virus (HBV) to replicate.

Key Significance of the IARC Classification

Area	Importance
Carcinogenic Status	WHO-IARC classified hepatitis D virus as carcinogenic to humans.
Cancer Link	The classification highlights the strong link between HDV infection and liver cancer.
Public Health Action	The announcement urges increased screening and better access to treatments.

PT Facts

HDV: Considered a satellite virus because it depends on HBV for replication.
HBV-HDV Infection: Co-infection or superinfection with HBV and HDV can increase the risk of severe liver disease.
IARC: Cancer research agency of the World Health Organization.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: Can indirectly help prevent hepatitis D infection.

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