[Question #11208] Hepatitis G STI

16 months ago

Dear Doctor,

I have some queries on Hepatitis G.

1) Is it a true Virus or coexist with others? ( Does it effect liver or is it yet to be established - as per some online sources it is not) 
2) Is it an STD?  It is not part of panel test for STD screenings so if some one had an exposure , should he be worried or tested?
3) who should be tested for Hepatitis G.
4) Does it resolve on its own?
5) if someone is negative for Hepatitis B ( Vaccinated) and negative for Hepatitis C; can he get Hepatitis G ?

Provide some more relevant information please.

thanks

Edward W. Hook M.D.

16 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question. I’ll be glad to comment although relatively little is known about hepatitis G. Some suggest it may be sexually transmitted while others feel that virtually all transmission is blood-borne. Irrespective, when persons acquire hepatitis G, if they get disease at all, most persons are a symptomatic. The disease is mild and self limited. Thus, in response to your specific questions:

1. Hepatitis G virus may exist independently or in combination with other hepatitis viruses. In those situations where it exists with other viruses, this is thought to be because routes of transmission are similar.

2. Hepatitis G is not considered an STI.

3. Currently most testing for hepatitis G is in research settings. It is not part of routine hepatitis, testing panels. It is not considered a major pathogen.

4. Yes

5. I am not aware of any data that hepatitis G can be prevented by hepatitis B vaccine. As mentioned above, persons who have hepatitis B or hepatitis C can also have hepatitis G at the same time. Which comes first is unknown

My advice is to be worried about hepatitis g this time. EWH

---

16 months ago

Thanks for your response Doctor.

pls check your last line where you want to assure " Not to be worried" at this time.

I came across this post : https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11471122/ ( The combined clinical and laboratory data strongly support the contention that HGV is not a hepatotropic virus and that this virus was inappropriately named hepatitis G. Because the data do not indicate any pathologic effects of HGV, it is not appropriate to screen the blood supply for HGV RNA.)

Given that its asymptomatic , resolve on its own and not a significant pathogen is quite assuring.

if someone had a sexual exposure and is negative for all the primary STDs including HIV, HepC and HepB what to feed to mind that it does not worry about Hepatitis G ( the though of passing it to spouse)

Thanks.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

16 months ago

I apologize, the last line was a typo and should have read ""My advice is NOT to be worried."

Persons who test for STIs do not need to test for hepatitis G or about passing it to a spouse. As I said above, , my advice is NOT to worry. EWH

---

16 months ago

Dear Doctor.

I will go by your advise of not considering it as an STI.

Just that there are certified labs who are testing for Hepatitis G in Delhi India , expensive test.

I assume the test would be for for patients who already have Hepatitis and get it done on doctor's recommendation only for clinical purpose.

i was tempted to take it but I should not. I don't have any symptoms and it would be stupid to consider it out of curiosity. Given that it is not significant virus , resolves on its own and still under study better to ignore the worrying thoughts.

let me know if you agree with me.

thanks again.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

16 months ago

I agree with your decision not to test.

As you know, we provide up to 3 responses to each client's questions. This is my 3rd response. Therefore the thread will be closed now.

Please don't worry about hepatitis G. EWH

---