hepatitis G (HG), a form of hepatitis, caused by the hepatitis G virus (HGV), that is transmitted by infected blood or blood products. It can also be transmitted by sharing personal items contaminated with the virus, by vertical transmission (mother to newborn), and by various sexual activities. Infection is of widespread occurrence and causes generally asymptomatic to mild disease. It is seen in patients after drug transfusions, in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and in IV drug abusers. It is also seen in infants born to infected mothers. The virus is not primarily replicated in the liver and may only be associated with hepatitis rather than the cause of infection.
