Abstract
A new flavivirus, provisionally designated hepatitis G virus or GBV-C has recently been described. The virus is parenterally transmitted by exposure to blood through transfusion, intravenous drug use and haemodialysis. Heat- or chemically-treated blood products are associated with reduced risk of infection. The virus may also be transmitted from mother to infant and by the sexual route. Although hepatitis G virus has been detected in patients with acute and chronic hepatitis, a causative role of the virus in such cases has not been established. The majority of long term carriers of the virus appear to have no liver, biochemical or histological abnormalities.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 63-69 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Vox Sanguinis |
Volume | 73 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - 1997 |