Publication: The newly discovered non A-E hepatitis viruses
Issued Date
1996-03-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01251562
Other identifier(s)
2-s2.0-0030090977
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Mahidol University
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. Vol.27, No.1 (1996), 75-79
Suggested Citation
Sirirurg Songsivilai, Tararaj Dharakul The newly discovered non A-E hepatitis viruses. Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. Vol.27, No.1 (1996), 75-79. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/17754
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Title
The newly discovered non A-E hepatitis viruses
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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.