Viral Hepatitis G

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Viral hepatitis G

This type of hepatitis is currently one of the most poorly studied. It hasn't even been approved by the International Virus Taxonomy and Nomenclature Committee yet. However, outbreaks of hepatitis G have been reported almost universally. The virus was first detected in the patient's blood at the end of the last century. There is a direct relationship between the prevalence of different types of this infection. Where hepatitis C and B occur, an outbreak of hepatitis G is more likely to occur.

Content:

• Causes of hepatitis G
• Symptoms of Hepatitis G
• Diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis G
• Diet for hepatitis G

Causes of hepatitis G

A special type of virus containing RNA and belonging to the flavivirus family leads to the development of infection. The genome of this pathogen includes structural and non-structural areas. It is in them that various types of proteins are encoded. The main genotypes and genome of the hypervariable region are absent in the hepatitis G virus. So far, the causative agent of the infection is not well understood, but assumptions have been made about the existence of various subtypes of the virus.

The main route of spread of hepatitis G is parenteral. This was clarified on the basis of experiments with monkeys, which were injected with vaccinated material. A few days later, the animals developed an acute form of hepatitis G. The likelihood of infection through sexual contact is low. This is possible only if there are open wounds on the external genital organs through which blood can enter the partner's body. There is a much greater risk of getting hepatitis G after procedures at the dentist, gynecologist, performed with untreated instruments. The main cause of infection, as it is right, is non-compliance with the rules of hygiene and unsanitary conditions.

Hepatitis G is widespread among drug addicts who use needles many times. Thus, it is very easy to get infected. During pregnancy, hepatitis G is most often not passed from mother to child. This is possible only in rare cases, mainly in the later stages or if a woman has suffered an acute form of hepatitis. The infection is also not transmitted with milk. For infection, it is necessary to get infected blood into the human body. This is possible if sanitary standards are not observed during acupuncture, piercing, and tattooing. In most cases, the source of infection remains unknown.

Symptoms of Hepatitis G

The clinical manifestations of this type of virus are largely reminiscent of hepatitis C. However, there is a significant difference in the course of these two infections. In hepatitis G, a chronic form is rarely observed, leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. The acute development of the disease has mild symptoms. From the moment a patient becomes infected with hepatitis G until the first pronounced signs appear, it can take several weeks or several months.

After the incubation period, the main symptoms appear. Patients experience general weakness, severe malaise, pain in the joints and muscles may occur, and the temperature rises less often. This symptomatology corresponds to a number of other infectious diseases, so it is not easy to diagnose hepatitis G at this stage.

The icteric period can last for several weeks. It is at this time that the correct diagnosis is usually made. Patients experience pain in the right side, feel nausea, turning into vomiting, and lose their appetite. At the same time, the urine becomes darker, and the feces, on the contrary, lose their color. The liver and spleen increase significantly in size. This is usually one of the main signs of hepatitis. Gradually, the skin and sclera acquire a yellowish tint. Jaundice is a signal that recovery is coming soon. In some cases, hepatitis G becomes chronic, which manifests itself in the form of rare exacerbations.

The viruses that cause hepatitis A, B and C provoke liver dysfunctions. But with hepatitis G, such manifestations were not identified. As a result of the research, it was found that histological changes were not observed in the patients' bodies. The level of serum transaminase activity also did not increase. Attempts to create a vaccine against the hepatitis G virus have so far been unsuccessful, but necessary developments are underway. In the case of this type of infection, the prognosis is more favorable. The hepatitis G virus is less variable than the hepatitis C virus. For this reason, the likelihood of getting the vaccine you need is much higher.

Sometimes hepatitis G is combined with hepatitis B or C. In this case, a fulminant form of the disease is observed. It assumes the rapid onset of the icteric period, the staining of the skin in a characteristic color and severe intoxication: general weakness of the body, fever, partial disorientation.

Diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis G

With hepatitis G, the same methods are used as with hepatitis C. The main goal of treatment is to eliminate violations in the liver. In addition, it is necessary to get rid of the causative agent of the disease.

On the subject: modern methods of treating hepatitis C

After diagnosis of hepatitis G based on polymerase chain reaction analysis, a drug such as interferon-alpha is usually prescribed. It prevents new liver cells from becoming infected and stops the development of the disease. Interferon-alpha is often combined with ribavirin to quickly achieve a positive result.

During treatment and even for several months after recovery, it is necessary to regularly do a biochemical blood test. This prevents the occurrence of side effects and prevents re-inflammation of the liver.

Diet for hepatitis G

Adequate nutrition is an important part of effective treatment for hepatitis G. It means avoiding foods that overload the liver.

• These include smoked meats, pickles.
• It is also necessary to exclude from the diet fatty meats, fish, fried foods, canned food, alcohol and sugary carbonated drinks.
• Dishes are recommended to be steamed, boiled. Patients will benefit from low-fat dairy products: cheese, kefir, non-acidic cottage cheese.
• You should eat vegetables and fruits more often, white bread, natural honey and jam for sweets are allowed.
• As a dessert, marshmallow, marshmallow can also be.
• The use of milk is prohibited, although it can be used for cooking, hot spices, mayonnaise, sauces. They can be replaced with sour cream.
• Vegetable and milk soups, cereals, casseroles must be present as main dishes in the diet.
• Patients with hepatitis G should drink more pure water, as well as other liquids: compotes, jelly, tea.

On the subject: What can and cannot be eaten with liver disease?

Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".