Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

hepatitis B immune globulin
HBIG.
hepatitis B immunization
A vaccine that pro-
tects against both hepatitis B and hepatitis D. It gives
prolonged protection, but three shots over 6
months are usually required. Hepatitis B immuniza-
tion is one of the recommended childhood vaccina-
tions. Adults in high-risk situations, including health
care workers, dentists, intimate and household con-
tacts of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection,
male homosexuals, individuals with multiple sexual
partners, dialysis patients, IV drug users, those who
travel to countries where hepatitis B infection is
common, and recipients of repeated transfusions
are also advised to get this vaccine. See also 
hepa-
titis D.
hepatitis C
Inflammation of the liver due to the
hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is usually spread via
blood transfusion, hemodialysis, and needle sticks.
HCV causes most transfusion-associated hepatitis,
and the damage it does to the liver can lead to cir-
rhosis and cancer. Transmission of the virus by sex-
ual contact is rare. At least half of HCV patients
develop chronic hepatitis C infection. Diagnosis is
made by blood test. Treatment is via antiviral drugs.
Chronic hepatitis C may be treated with interferon,
sometimes in combination with antivirals. There is no
vaccine for hepatitis C. Previously known as non-A,
non-B hepatitis.
hepatitis D
Liver inflammation due to the hepati-
tis D virus (HDV), which causes disease only in
patients who additionally have the hepatitis B virus.
Transmission occurs via infected blood, needles, or
sexual contact with an infected person. Symptoms
are identical to those of hepatitis B. HDV infection
can be prevented with the hepatitis B vaccine and
through avoidance of activities that could lead to
getting the virus.
hepatitis E
A rare form of liver inflammation
caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV).
It is transmitted via food or drink handled by an
infected person or through infected water supplies
in areas where fecal matter may get into the water.
Hepatitis E does not cause chronic liver disease.
There is no vaccine or treatment for hepatitis E,
although antiviral drugs may be tried.
hepatitis G
A virus isolated from the blood of
some patients with posttransfusion hepatitis that is
hypothesized to be a cause of hepatitis by some
investigators, but the virus has not yet been con-
firmed as a cause of acute or chronic hepatitis.