Hepatitis G is the former name for human pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1). It is typically transmitted through blood. Avoiding contact with blood products with the virus can help prevent it from transferring.

Hepatitis is a general term for liver inflammation. There are different types of hepatitis, which have different causes. Typically, hepatitis is the result of a viral infection. However, it can also result from other factors, such as alcohol use and autoimmune disease.

Hepatitis can cause various symptoms, such as nausea and yellow skin. The condition may also lead to liver damage over time without proper treatment.

Hepatitis G is a fairly common virus. However, disease and symptoms relating to the virus are rare. Unlike other types of hepatitis, it is not associated with hepatitis symptoms or long-term liver damage. As such, some researchers no longer refer to it as hepatitis G and instead refer to the virus as human pegivirus 1.

Little information is available on HPgV-1 due to its relatively recent discovery and lack of noticeable symptoms. However, the virus shares a family with hepatitis C and shares some similarities.

Blood vials that could contain hepatitis G-1.Share on Pinterest
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Hepatitis is a term that describes inflammation of the liver. There are many types of hepatitis, which typically occur due to a viral infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), five viral strains cause most cases of hepatitis, which include hepatitis A through E.

However, there are other viruses that can cause inflammation of the liver.

Hepatitis G is a bloodborne infection with the hepatitis G virus (HGV). Scientists only identified this strain of the hepatitis virus in 1995 and do not know much about it in comparison to other hepatitis viruses.

One group named the virus HGV, and another called it GB virus type C. The virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family, which also includes the hepatitis C (hep C) virus. However, unlike other hepatitis viruses, HGV does not appear to directly cause significant liver damage or disease. Due to its disease effects, some researchers now call the virus human pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1).

Some evidence suggests that the virus has a high global prevalence. A 2022 review suggests that roughly one-sixth of the global population may be seropositive for the virus. Transmission of HPgV-1 typically occurs due to exposure to contaminated blood. Some possible forms of transmission may include:

  • Intravenous drug use: Sharing needles or other items that make contact with blood during drug use can lead to infection.
  • Sexual contact: The virus can spread through sexual contact, particularly among individuals with multiple partners.
  • Perinatal transmission: The virus can pass to a child during childbirth in rare cases.
  • Blood transfusions: HPgV-1 can pass to anyone who receives contaminated blood or blood products.
  • Hemodialysis: People with kidney problems who receive hemodialysis may acquire HPgV-1 during the procedure.
  • Occupational exposure: Healthcare professionals and others who regularly come into contact with blood or blood products are at risk of contact with contaminated blood.

Most people who acquire the virus experience no symptoms. Initially, it was thought that the virus caused symptoms relating to hepatitis. Recent studies suggest it does not cause symptoms that affect the liver. However, more research is still necessary to understand the virus and its potential effect on the body.

While HPgV-1 shares some structural similarities with hep C, HpgV-1 has not been linked to clinical disease or hepatitis. However, it is often found as a coinfection with hep C. Potential symptoms of hep C include:

  • tiredness
  • fever
  • loss of appetite
  • dark urine
  • nausea
  • joint pain
  • yellow skin
  • stomach pain
  • vomiting

These symptoms are usually mild when they do occur.

Other types of hepatitis can cause liver damage over time. However, there is little evidence that HPgV-1 damages the liver.

While tests can identify HPgV-1, testing is not routine or widely available. Identifying the virus in a blood sample may indicate infection. Doctors testing for hepatitis may examine whether the virus is present or how much of the virus is in the bloodstream.

When diagnosing an HPgV-1 infection, lab technicians will look for HPgV-1 RNA or E2-protein antibodies. RNA is a type of genetic material present in viruses and other cells and E2-protein antibodies refer to antibodies the immune system produces in response to the virus.

Doctors can use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect HPgV-1. PCRs describe blood tests in which lab technicians look for genetic material related to a virus.

Identifying the virus in a blood sample may indicate infection. Healthcare professionals testing for hepatitis using PCR may examine whether the virus is present or how much of the virus is in the bloodstream. Doctors will use these results to determine whether someone has HPgV-1.

Healthcare professionals can also use ELISA to detect HPgV-1. ELISA is a test that can measure antibodies, and other proteins, in bodily fluids.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for HPgV-1.

Hepatitis C and other types have well-established antiviral therapies that cure most infections. However, HPgV-1 appears to cause no symptoms or damage to the liver as other types of hepatitis do.

Doctors may identify HPgV-1 while diagnosing or monitoring another condition that does require treatment. For example, some people with HPgV-1 infections will also have hepatitis C infections and require antiviral treatment.

Some evidence indicates that HPgV-1 may have some beneficial effects on infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C. This may be due to the impact the virus has on the immune system and inhibiting the other virus.

However, other research suggests that HPgV-1 may increase the risk of developing lymphoma and sporadic encephalitis in those with a weakened immune system.

As such, more research is necessary to understand how the virus interacts with the immune system and how it may protect against some viruses but increase the risk of other conditions.

Some forms of hepatitis are preventable through vaccination, such as hepatitis A and B. However, there are currently no vaccines available for HPgV-1. People can reduce their risk of HPgV-1 infections by avoiding behaviors that can cause transmission, such as:

  • sharing needles, syringes, or other intravenous drug products
  • engaging in sexual activities with someone who might have an HPgV-1 infection
  • receiving a blood transfusion from someone with an HPgV-1 infection
  • conducting procedures in unsanitary medical settings
  • sharing razor blades or having uncovered cuts

Hepatitis G, also known as human pegivirus 1, is a bloodborne virus that does not typically cause significant liver damage or disease. Its transmission could occur through intravenous drug use, sexual contact, or exposure to infected blood.

Most people with HPgV-1 experience no symptoms. There is currently no specific treatment for HPgV-1, but it is advisable to try and prevent transmission through safe practices. These include avoiding intravenous drug use, sexual activities with someone who has an infection, and contaminated blood.