WHO recently reclassified which virus as carcinogenic to humans?
- AOption (a)
Hepatitis A
- BOption (b)
Hepatitis D
- COption (c)
Epstein-Barr virus
- DOption (d)
Rotavirus
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Correct answer
Hepatitis D
Why this answer is correct
The Correct Answer is Hepatitis D.
In News
- WHO declares Hepatitis D virus carcinogenic to humans.
Key Points
- WHO & IARC have reclassified Hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic to humans.
- Joins HBV & HCV as known causes of liver cancer.
- HDV infects only HBV carriers — co-infection increases liver cancer risk 2–6x.
- Up to 75% of chronic HDV cases develop liver cirrhosis within 15 years.
- No separate vaccine for HDV — HBV vaccination is the only prevention method.
- Global burden:
- 300+ million affected by HBV, HCV, HDV.
- 1.3 million deaths annually (mostly liver cirrhosis/cancer).
- HDV infects ~12 million (≈5% of chronic HBV patients).
- High-risk groups:
- Regions: Asia, Africa, Amazon Basin.
- People who inject drugs, haemodialysis patients.
- Transmission: Blood, sex, unsafe injections, perinatal.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, nausea, abdominal pain.
- Treatment:
- HBV: Lifelong antivirals.
- HDV: Europe-approved bulevirtide + pegylated interferon.