GB virus B, also known as GBV-B, is a species of virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, Hepacivirus genus. This single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus is closely related to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). GBV-B is primarily found in non-human primates, especially in Old World monkeys such as chimpanzees, orangutans, and baboons.
The GBV-B virus exhibits several similarities with HCV, including the ability to cause liver disease in infected hosts. However, it is essential to note that GBV-B is not pathogenic to humans, unlike HCV, which is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
GBV-B is transmitted mainly through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as blood transfusion, sexual contact, or through contaminated needles. However, it is primarily a simian virus and is not known to infect humans naturally. Research studies often use GBV-B as a surrogate model to study various aspects of HCV infection, pathogenesis, and the development of vaccines and antiviral treatments.
The genome of GBV-B consists of a single-stranded RNA molecule encoding a polyprotein, which is processed into individual functional proteins upon viral replication. The virus primarily targets liver cells, where it replicates and induces mild liver inflammation. However, in contrast to HCV, GBV-B infection does not progress into chronic hepatic disease in non-human primates.
In summary, GB virus B is a non-pathogenic virus closely related to Hepatitis C virus, primarily found in non-human primates. It is used as a research tool to study HCV infection and develop therapeutic interventions.
