REF:

E2206 (Microwell Plate)

INTENDED USE:

This HGV ELISA is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the qualitative detection of antibodies to hepatitis G virus in human serum or plasma. It is intended for use in clinical laboratories for diagnosis and management of patients related to infection with hepatitis G virus.

SUMMARY:

Hepatitis GV virus C (GBV-C) and hepatitis G virus (HGV) were recently identified as novel member of Flaviviridae family associated with human non A-E hepatitis. The two viral agents are different isolates of the same virus because of their high homology in nucleotide sequences. GBV-C/HGV was found to consist of a single stranded 9.4 kb, positive-sense with genome structured similar to that of HCV RNA. GBV-C/HGV can be transmitted parenterally through transfusions of blood, blood products, intravenous drug user and hemodialysis. Even if GBV-C/HGV were considered the major causative agent of human non A-E hepatitis, many later investigative data revealed that GBV-C/HGV infection rates in non A-E hepatitis patients were lower than 15%. GBV-C genome does not have the gene encoding the core protein. HGV capsid protein is absent or defective and another virus may provide the capsid. Although the virus may persist, it appears that chronic liver disease does not ensue. In addition, the liver is not the primary site of HGV replication. There is a high prevalence of HGV in blood donors, perhaps in the order of 1-2%. The reported GBV-C/HGV infection rates in hepatitis C patients were approximate 20%, but a quite lower coinfection rate of HGV and HCV (5.6%) was reported. Diagnosis requires virology methods based on RT-PCR or serologic testing for antibody to HGV.