GB virus C (GBV-C) is a small, non-pathogenic RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. It is also known as Hepatitis G virus (HGV) or Hepatitis G virus-like agent (HGV-LA). GBV-C was initially identified from the sera of individuals suffering from viral hepatitis, but later it was discovered that it does not cause any significant liver disease.
GBV-C is characterized by its high prevalence worldwide, with a wide range of infection rates observed among different populations. The virus is primarily transmitted through blood contact, such as blood transfusions, needle-sharing among intravenous drug users, or from mother to child during childbirth. Other routes of transmission, such as sexual contact and vertical transmission, have also been proposed.
In most individuals, GBV-C infection tends to be asymptomatic or mild, except in rare cases. The virus can establish a persistent infection in the blood, and it has been found to coexist with other hepatitis viruses without interfering with their replication or causing additional liver damage.
Although GBV-C is not associated with any specific disease, studies have suggested potential beneficial effects of GBV-C infection on the immune system. It has been hypothesized that GBV-C might slow the progression of HIV infection, reduce the severity of liver disease in individuals co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and have a positive impact on the clinical outcomes of certain malignancies.
In conclusion, GB virus C, or Hepatitis G virus, is a non-pathogenic RNA virus prevalent worldwide that primarily infects the blood. Although typically asymptomatic or mild, GBV-C shows potential beneficial effects on the immune system and may modulate the course of other viral infections and liver diseases.
