The newly discovered non A-E hepatitis viruses.
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
; 1996 Mar; 27(1): 75-9
Article
in En
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-33397
ABSTRACT
Two biotechnology companies have recently announced the discovery of 4 new hepatitis viruses, provisionally named HGV and GBV agents (GBV-A, GBV-B, and GBV-C). Using a molecular biological approach, the genomes of these viruses were identified from non-A-E hepatients patients who had no markers to any previously known hepatitis viruses. The new viruses are members of family Flaviviridae, and are closely related to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Preliminary studies show that the prevalence of GBV agents and HGV are alarmingly high in blood donors in the United States, Europe, Africa and Japan. The viruses are transmitted parenterally, similar to HCV and hepatitis B virus (HBV), Chronic infection is common and can lead to cirrhosis. Some chronic hepatitis cases caused by these viruses respond to interferon treatment. The viruses can coinfect with HCV and/or HBV. A number of questions about these new viruses remain to be answered, including the magnitude of the problems, clinical significance, mode of transmission and populations at risk, as well as the appropriate treatment.
Full text:
1
Index:
IMSEAR
Main subject:
Blood Donors
/
Blood Transfusion
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Humans
/
Risk Factors
/
Flaviviridae
/
Genes, Viral
/
Hepatitis, Chronic
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Hepatitis, Viral, Human
Type of study:
Etiology_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Language:
En
Journal:
Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health
Year:
1996
Type:
Article