B18.00: Chronic viral hepatitis B with delta-agent : immune-tolerant phase

Chronic viral hepatitis B with delta-agent in the immune-tolerant phase is a long-lasting liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B (HBV) and the Hepatitis D (delta) viruses. During the immune-tolerant phase, the immune system is not actively fighting the viruses. This means while the quantity of Hepatitis B virus in the body is high, liver damage is minimal or absent. The infection can be acquired through exposure to infected blood or body fluids. The condition may exist without obvious symptoms for a long time, although chronic infection can eventually lead to severe liver diseases, such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. Regular monitoring is necessary to track the progression of the disease. Though you may feel healthy, you can still pass the viruses onto others during this phase.