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Medical Definition of Delta agent
1. A rare form of viral transfusion hepatitis. A defective viral agent that occurs only in association with hepatitis B infection. The delta agent may also increase the severity of hepatitis B infection. Complications include chronic persistent hepatitis and fulminant hepatitis. A test known as anti-delta agent antibody is positive and used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is the same as for hepatitis B. (27 Sep 1997)