General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

CompareUseful differences

Compare infectious diseases

The same route of exposure may involve very different agents. Compare the mechanisms and prevention, then consult the original records and sources.

Choose up to four diseases

Agents, Exposures and Prevention

Documentary comparison of 3 diseases; no estimate of individual risk
BenchmarkHepatitis DHepatitis BHepatitis C
AgentHepatitis D virusHepatitis B virusHepatitis C virus
FamilyVirusVirusVirus
Paths and contextsBlood and fluids
Blood and fluids
Sexual use
Mother and child transmission
Blood and fluids
Mother and child transmission
What distinguishes diseaseLiver infection that occurs only in a person infected with hepatitis B virus.Infection of the liver transmitted by blood and certain biological fluids, which may become chronic.Blood-borne liver infection, which may become chronic and cause cirrhosis or cancer.
PreventionImmunization against hepatitis B also prevents infection with virus D; apply blood-related precautions.Vaccination, sterile equipment, donation testing and precautions when exposed to blood.Sterile equipment, safe injections and donations, screening and antiviral treatment of infected persons.
DeepeningForm →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Form →
WHO — reference
Diagnosis and monitoringSerology is looking for exposure to virus D; detection of its RNA documents an active infection. Liver condition and evolution should be evaluated.Blood tests distinguish different markers of infection and immune response. Their combination interprets with vaccine history and context. A follow-up assessment can assess liver disease and guide follow-up or treatment.Positive antibody test indicates contact with virus. The search for viral RNA is then used to check for an active infection. Antibodies may remain positive after the infection has disappeared, so the balance sheet is not limited to this single result.
Preparing for an exchange with a professional
  • Complete results of tests B and D
  • Liver check-up and previous reviews
  • Previous results with date and exact name of markers
  • Evidence of vaccination and exposure to blood
  • Full account of antibody and RNA tests
  • History of antiviral treatment

What this table allows to understand

The selected records cover 1 agent family/families. They share the following routes or contexts in our catalogue: Blood and fluids. These associations describe the selected data; they do not measure contagiousness, severity or personal risk.

To review a comparison, choose one row and open the reference for each column. A preventive measure mentioned in one record and absent from another is not necessarily unnecessary in the second situation: the summaries and their scope may differ.

If symptoms occurThe table does not select any test or treatment. A fever after a stay in the malaria area should be reported promptly, even if prevention has been taken.
Understanding agent, vector and exposure →

Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.