Infectious hepatitis C, hepatitis G, and TT virus: review and implications for dentists.
In the past 10 years, hepatitis C and G viruses have been identified, and in the last two years a further parenterally transmitted agent, termed TT virus (TTV), has been discovered. These viruses have a worldwide distribution and frequently cause chronic infection. The purpose of this article was to promote an understanding of these viral agents and their relevance in dental practice. Infected patients may develop a chronic carrier state without clinical disease or may develop liver disease, and may have related oral conditions. Dental providers will see a growing number of patients with HCV/HGV and possibly TTV infection. All of these patients require appropriate infection control measures during dental treatment.
Lodi
Giovanni
G
Department of Oral Medicine, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University of London, UK.
Bez
Cristina
C
Porter
Stephen R
SR
Scully
Crispian
C
Epstein
Joel B
JB
D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D002353:Carrier State; D004266:DNA Virus Infections / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D029407:GB virus C; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000150:complications / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D012793:Sialadenitis / Q000209:etiology; D022783:Torque teno virus