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GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV): still looking for a disease
1Department of Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Natal/King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa.
Insights
GB Virus C/Hepatitis G Virus (GBV-C/HGV) is a globally distributed flavivirus. Its clinical significance remains unclear, with potential links to extrahepatic diseases but not direct liver pathology.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- GB Virus C and Hepatitis G Virus (GBV-C/HGV) are positive, single-stranded flaviviruses, representing independent isolates of the same virus.
- Transmission primarily occurs through blood-borne routes, with documented vertical and sexual transmission.
- Global prevalence varies, being 10-fold higher in African countries and elevated in populations with high parenteral exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the clinical significance of GBV-C/HGV infection.
- To investigate the association of GBV-C/HGV with liver pathology and extrahepatic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on GBV-C/HGV transmission, prevalence, and clinical associations.
- Analysis of data regarding GBV-C/HGV infection in chronic non-A, B, C hepatitis cases.
- Examination of evidence linking GBV-C/HGV to both hepatic and extrahepatic conditions.
Main Results:
- GBV-C/HGV can establish acute and chronic infections and appears sensitive to interferon.
- Only 12-15% of chronic non-A, B, C hepatitis cases are infected with GBV-C/HGV.
- A direct association with liver pathology is lacking, and its hepatotropic nature is uncertain; however, associations with extrahepatic diseases are suggested.
Conclusions:
- The clinical significance of GBV-C/HGV infection is not yet clearly defined.
- While not definitively a hepatotropic virus, GBV-C/HGV infection is associated with a spectrum of extrahepatic diseases.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the impact and role of GBV-C/HGV in human health.
Abstract:
GB Virus C and Hepatitis G Virus (GBV-C/HGV) are positive, single-stranded flaviviruses. GBV-C and HGV are independent isolates of the same virus. Transmission via the blood-borne route is the commonest mode, although vertical and sexual transmission is well documented. GBV-C/HGV is distributed globally; its prevalence in the general population is 10 fold higher in African countries than in non-African countries. High prevalences of GBV-C/HGV have been found in subjects with frequent parenteral exposure and in groups at high risk of exposure to blood and blood products. The clinical significance of human infection with GBV-C/HGV is currently unclear. The virus can establish both acute and chronic infection and appears to be sensitive to interferon. Only some 12-15% of chronic Non-A, B, C hepatitis cases are infected with GBV-C/HGV. A direct association with liver pathology is still lacking and it is not yet clear as to whether GBV-C/HGV is indeed a hepatotropic virus. Current evidence suggests that the spectrum of association of GBV-C/HGV infection with extrahepatic diseases ranges from haematalogical diseases, aplastic anaemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive idiopathic thrombocytopenia and thalassemia, through to common variable immune deficiency and cryoglobunemia.