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Abstract |
What we know about the Hepatitis G Virus |
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Hepatitis G Virus (HGV) is a recently discovered RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. HGV-RNA in blood is detected by the polymerase chain reaction, and an enzyme-linked immunoassay for detection of antibodies against the second envelope glycoprotein (anti-E2) has been developed and is commercially available. The presence of these antibodies indicates recovery from the infection. The virus is parenterally transmitted by blood transfusion or blood products. Other routes, such as perinatal or iatrogenic, are under investigation. Blood, blood product recipients, hemodialysis patients and intravenous drug users are risk groups for acquiring the infection. Although fïrst reports associated the hepatitis G virus with liver disease, fulminant hepatitis, and aplastic anemia, the causative role of the virus is not yet established since most of the infected individuals have no liver or biochemical abnormalities. |
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