GB Hepatitis Viruses refer to a group of viruses that belong to the family Hepadnaviridae and are primarily associated with causing hepatitis. Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver characterized by symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and liver dysfunction. The GB Hepatitis Viruses are specifically classified under the genus Orthohepadnavirus.
The GB Hepatitis Viruses include various subtypes or serotypes, such as GB Virus A (GBV-A), GB Virus B (GBV-B), GB Virus C (GBV-C), and GB Virus D (GBV-D), among others. These viruses have been identified in non-human primates, including chimpanzees, but their infectivity and pathogenicity in humans remain uncertain.
GBV-A and GBV-B are known to cause acute hepatitis in experimentally infected tamarins and marmosets, while GBV-C is commonly found in humans co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has been referred to as hepatitis G virus (HGV). There is ongoing research to determine the precise role and impact of GB Hepatitis Viruses in human hepatitis cases.
In terms of transmission, GB Hepatitis Viruses are primarily transmitted through blood contact, including transfusion of infected blood or blood products, sharing contaminated needles among injecting drug users, and vertical transmission from infected mother to child during childbirth. However, the modes of transmission for certain subtypes are still being investigated.
In conclusion, the GB Hepatitis Viruses are a group of viruses in the family Hepadnaviridae associated with causing hepatitis in humans and non-human primates. Further research is necessary to elucidate their exact role, transmission routes, and potential implications for human health.
