> Hepatitis G is a newly discovered form of liver inflammation and which is also linked    with problems in Liver
> Caused by hepatitis G virus (HGV), a distant relative of the hepatitis C virus.
   HGV, also called hepatitis GB virus
> It was discovered in the mid 1990s at the same time as GBV-C and they are believed    to be different strains of the same virus.
> Sometimes this is written as HGV/GBV-C.
> These are actually two separate categories of the same virus.
> It is uncertain whether it really does cause hepatitis or what impact it has on other    infections. It can occur as a co infection with hepatitis.
> Some studies have found it to slow the progression of HIV while others have found no    impact.
> HGV/GBV-C is often found in co-infections with other viruses, such as hepatitis C    virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
> There is little proof that Hepatitis G (Hep G) causes serious liver disease at any age.
> It is possible that HGV/GBV-C may not be a true 'hepatitis' virus.
> It is commonly found in people who already have HIV, HBV and HCV probably because    of the similarity of transmission routes as well as in the general population.
> Nothing much is known about the frequency of occurrence of Hepatitis G.
> That is why it is hardly get any type of information about the prevention as well as    cure of the disease.
> There are cases found when the person affected with hepatitis G has also been    simultaneously affected with Hepatitis B as well as Hepatitis C virus.
> It looks a lot like HCV-that is, it shares about 85 percent of its genetic sequence with    that virus.
Signs and Symptoms-
> Almost no cases have symptoms like the other Hepatitis viruses.
> Researchers are doubtful that HGV actually causes illness.
> If it does, the type of acute or chronic (long-lasting) illness that results is not clear.
> When diagnosed, acute HGV infection has usually been mild and brief. There is no    evidence of serious complications.
> But it is possible that, like other hepatitis viruses, HGV can cause severe liver damage    resulting in liver failure.
Causes and symptoms-
> It is transmitted by blood and blood products, sexual activity and from mother to child    at birth.
> It is transmitted in patients with kidney disease who have blood exchange by    hemodialysis, and those who inject drugs into their veins.
Persons at Risk-
> Recipients of infected blood or blood products.
> Hemodialysis patients
> Injection Drug Users
> People getting tattoos, acupuncture or body piercings with tools those are not sterile
> People with impaired immune response.
Diagnosis-
> Antibodies can be tested for in blood and a PCR test can show the presence of the    virus.
> Hepatitis G can be diagnosed by a DNA test.
> The presence of HGV in the blood is confirmed by detecting HGV-RNA
> The virus has been detected by screening blood donors.
> The scientists as well as researchers are trying to found out a test for the HGV    antibody. Once antibody is present the virus itself generally has disappeared. This    makes the test too late to be of use.
Treatment-
> Since it does not appear to cause illness there is no treatment although interferon    was used at one point to try and eradicate the virus from the body.
> There is currently no recommended treatment for Hep G.
> There is no particular treatment for any acute hepatitis.
> The patients should take ample amount of rest in bed as much as necessary. The    patient is also asked to avoid alcohol as well. The patient should also take care that    he or she is taking a balanced diet.