hepatitis delta virus

(HEH-puh-TY-tis DEL-tuh VY-rus) A type of hepatitis virus that may be present in the body at the same time as the hepatitis B virus. It makes the hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) caused by hepatitis B much worse. The hepatitis delta virus and the hepatitis B virus are spread to others through blood or sexual contact. Infants born to infected mothers may also become infected with the virus. Also called hepatitis D virus.