Hepatitis - Classification, Introduction, Types, Hepatitis G virus, HGV

Classification

Realm: Riboviria

Kingdom: Pararnavirae

Phylum: Artverviricota

Class: Revtraviricetes

Order: Blubervirales

Family: Hepadnaviridae

Genus: Orthohepadna

Introduction to Hepatitis

The Hepatitis virus causes infection and inflammation of the liver. The infection is acute if treated within six months of infection and is chronic if it takes longer than six months to be treated.

In cases of acute infection, hepatitis resolves on its own or progresses to the chronic stage. It rarely leads to acute liver failure.

In cases of chronic infection, manifestations such as liver (cirrhosis), liver failure, and liver cancer can take place.

Types of Hepatitis

Six medically important Hepatitis viruses:

• Hepatitis A virus (HAV)

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

• Hepatitis D virus (HDV)

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV)

• Hepatitis G virus (HGV)

Hepatitis viruses commonly infect the liver but differ in their morphology, replication pattern, and course of infection. It produces acute inflammation of the liver resulting in a clinical illness characterized by fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.

Hepatitis G virus (HGV)

• similar to viruses of the Family: Flaviviridae which includes HCV

• RNA virus; its genome codes for 2900 amino acid

• blood-borne virus; i.e. transmitted by transfusion of contaminated blood/blood products

• HGV co-infection is observed in 6% of chronic HBV infections and 10% of chronic HCV infection

• HGV RNA has been demonstrated in patients with acute, chronic, and fulminant hepatitis