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[Hepatitis G virus or hepatitis GB virus C]
1Virologisk afdeling, Statens Serum Institut, København.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|August 6, 1999
Summary
GB virus C (GBV-C) and hepatitis G virus (HGV) are the same virus, frequently detected in blood donors. While acute infections may cause mild hepatitis, chronic GBV-C/HGV is not linked to liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatitis Research
Context:
- GB virus C (GBV-C) and hepatitis G virus (HGV) were identified in 1995 as potential causes of non-A-E viral hepatitis.
- These are two names for the same RNA virus (approx. 9 kb) within the Flaviviridae family.
Purpose:
- To describe the characteristics, transmission, detection, and clinical significance of GBV-C/HGV.
- To evaluate its role as an etiological agent in viral hepatitis.
Summary:
- GBV-C/HGV is transmitted via blood, sexual contact, and vertically. It is detectable by RT-PCR and serological tests targeting the envelope 2 protein.
- Prevalence in Western blood donors ranges from 1-10%. Acute infection can cause mild hepatitis, while chronic infection (10-20%) does not lead to chronic liver disease.
- The virus is not found in hepatocytes and is not infectious in chimpanzees, distinguishing it from classical hepatitis viruses.
Impact:
- GBV-C/HGV is a common, often asymptomatic, viral infection with implications for blood safety.
- PCR detection of GBV-C/HGV may aid in diagnosing acute hepatitis of unknown origin.
- Understanding GBV-C/HGV clarifies its non-pathogenic role in chronic liver disease, differentiating it from other hepatitis viruses.