Infection with hepatitis GB virus C in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Article Abstract:

People receiving dialysis appear to have a high risk for contracting hepatitis GB virus C (HGBV-C) infection. HGBV-C is a newly discovered cause of viral hepatitis. Researchers used the polymerase chain reaction to test blood samples from 519 people receiving dialysis for chronic kidney failure. Sixteen (3%) tested positive for HGBV-C, compared to 4 out of 448 (0.9%) healthy blood donors. Seven of the 16 positive for HGBV-C were also positive for hepatitis C virus. None of the 16 had evidence of liver disease. Seventy-five percent had received a blood transfusion in the past. Many received the transfusion since they began dialysis and many had been negative for HGBV-C at the start of dialysis. Eight of the dialysis patients were followed for 7 to 16 years and only one cleared the virus completely. One HGBV-C-positive patient had never received a transfusion, but had a viral isolate similar to that in two other patients, indicating the virus might be spread from person-to-person.

Diagnosis, Hepatitis, Viral, Viral hepatitis, Hemodialysis patients

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Hepatitis B virus strains with mutations in the core promoter in patients with fulminant hepatitis

Article Abstract:

Rapidly progressing and severe forms of hepatitis B may be caused by strains of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that have mutations in the precore region or in the core promoter region. These HBV strains may be unable to produce hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Researchers copied and sequenced HBV DNA in blood samples from 43 patients with a rapidly progressing form of the disease, six with acute severe hepatitis B and eight with acute self-limiting hepatitis B. All the patients with rapidly progressing hepatitis B had mutations in the core promoter region, the precore region, or both. Thirty-seven did not produce HBeAg or the antibody to HBeAg (anti-HBe). All six patients with acute severe hepatitis B had one or both mutations but no HBeAg or anti-HBe. In contrast, none of the patients with acute self-limiting hepatitis B had either mutation, and all produced HBeAg or anti-HBe.

Prognosis, Genetic aspects, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis B virus

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Hepatitis G virus - a true hepatitis virus or an accidental tourist?

Article Abstract:

More research is needed before the hepatitis G virus can be said to be responsible for chronic hepatitis. There are five well-known hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. However, a substantial percentage of people with hepatitis test negative for all five of these viruses. A sixth virus, hepatitis G virus (HGV), was first described in 1995. However, blood tests have revealed that it is fairly common and does not seem to cause disease. It most commonly occurs in combination with hepatitis B or C virus. Consequently, there may be another virus responsible for non-A-E hepatitis.

Editorial, Causes of, Hepatitis viruses, Chronic active hepatitis

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