Prevalence and genotypes of hepatitis G virus/GB virus C in a multirisk group in Hungary

Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung. 2007 Sep;54(3):305-16. doi: 10.1556/AMicr.54.2007.3.5.

Abstract

HGV/GBV-C is a mainly parenterally transmitted Flavivirus that causes a persistent infection. So far no disease has been associated with HGV/GBV-C infection, but its beneficial role in co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus has been shown in many recent studies. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of ongoing HGV/GBV-C infections among a sociologically unique group of the Hungarian population, who are at great risk for parenterally transmitted diseases. Viral RNA was detected in 75 serum samples by an RT-PCR method specific for the NS5 region. Nine (12%) samples were positive for HGV/GBV-C RNA. All nine PCR products were sequenced and a phylogenetic analysis was performed to identify the genotypes and subtypes of the detected viruses. All nine isolates proved to be genotype 2, eight of them were classified as subtype 2a, and one as subtype 2b.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Female
  • Flaviviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Flaviviridae Infections / virology
  • GB virus C / classification*
  • GB virus C / genetics
  • GB virus C / isolation & purification*
  • Genotype
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / virology
  • Humans
  • Hungary / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prevalence
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Risk Factors
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • RNA, Viral