Prevalence Of Hepatitis G Virus Research Articles

PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS G VIRUS AMONG PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE AND HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS, SANA'A CITY-YEMEN

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a newly discovered and enveloped RNA positive-stranded flavivirus-like particle, which has not yet been proven to have major negative effects on liver. Therefore, it is important to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis G virus infection in Yemeni viral hepatitis patients and general population to design standard prevention and treatment plans. Screening HGV antibodies among 60 chronic HBV and 144 chronic HCV patients comparing with it's prevalence in 218 healthy controls were carried out. Serum samples were collected and tested for human HGV IgG by commercially available ELISA technique. Demographic data such as gender, age, and risk factors of contracting HGV virus were recorded in predesigned questionnaire. The crude prevalence rate of HGV was 2.8%, female specific rate was 0% and male specific rate was 3.5%. The prevalence of HGV among HBV patients was 0%; HCV was 1.4% while in healthy individuals it was 4.6%. When age groups considered, the prevalence of HGV among age groups 20-29 years and 30-39 years was 3.5%, while in older age groups the rate of HGV was 0%. There was a trend towards increased levels of HGV infection with the second and third decades of life (3.5%). There was no significant association between HGV infection and risk factors of hepatitis viruses. It can be concluded from this study that HGV virus is circulating in the risk groups and in the community in general Yemen, and there is a possibility that this virus may at some time become epidemic if preventive measures are not applied. The risk of community among healthy people more than in risk groups as HBV and HCV patients. Additionally HGV increases with young male adults.

Prevalence of Hepatitis G Virus Among Hemodialysis and Kidney Transplant Patients in Khuzestan Province, Iran

Background:Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a member of Flaviviridae. Prevalence of HGV in healthy people is very low, but this virus is more prevalent in patients with hepatitis. Besides, relative frequency of HGV in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and kidney recipients is very high. The role of HGV in pathogenesis is not clear. Since this virus cannot be cultivated, molecular techniques such as Revers Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is applied to detect HGV.Objectives:The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HGV using determination of E2, viral envelope antigen, antibodies and the RNA by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and RT-PCR techniques. The rational of the study was to determine the prevalence of HGV in patients undergoing hemodialysis and kidney transplantation in Khuzestan province, Iran.Patients and Methods:Five hundred and sixteen serum samples of the patients undergoing hemodialysis and kidney transplantation from various cities of Khuzestan province were collected. Anti-hepatitis G E2 antibodies were investigated by ELISA method. RNAs were extracted from serums and Hepatitis G RNA was detected by RT-PCR.Results:Of the 516 samples, 38 (7.36%) specimens were positive for anti-HGV by ELISA. All of these ELISA positive samples were negative for HGV genome by RT-PCR. Of the remaining 478 ELISA negative samples, 16 (3.14%) samples were positive by RT-PCR.Conclusions:Hepatitis G Virus was not prevalent in the patients undergoing hemodialysis and kidney transplantation in Khuzestan province. Although reports indicated high frequency of co-infection of HGV with hepatitis B and C viruses, in the current research, co-infection of HGV with B and C was not considerable. Since different groups and subtypes of HGV are reported, periodic epidemiologic evaluation of HGV and its co-infection with other hepatitis viruses is suggested in other populations such as the patients with thalassemia; however, periodic epidemiologic monitoring of HGV may be helpful to control future potential variations of the virus.

Prevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) among hepatitis-B patients and others suspected for PT-hepatitis in Baghdad

The aim of this research is to evaluate the prevalence of HGV among three different categories, group1, composed of hepatitis –B patients (HB- patients), group 2, included people having hepatitis-like symptoms with sera negative for HBV and HCV markers, referred to as suspected for hepatitis (SUS-patients) while the third group is the control group. Serum samples were assayed for anti-HGV antibodies using ELISA technique-indirect method. Results revealed that HGV coinfection detected in only few number of HB-P 9.8%, 23.5% of HB-P having anti-HGV antibodies with titer lower than the cut-off value (COV) which are said to be in the shadow zone and the other 66.6% of the group are reported as negative cases, reporting a highly significant difference P˂0.001. Among the second group (SUS- patients), HGV was detected in only 4.8%, 58.5% detected as shadow cases while the other 36.5% were found to be negative for HGV.When both HB-P and SUS-P are gathered in one group a low percentage 7.6% of HGV infection was recorded, 39.1% of HB-/SUS-patients were in the shadow zone while the majority of this group 53.2% were detected as negative cases. In conclusion HGV play only a minor role as a confection agent with HBV and as a responsible agent among non-A-E hepatitis cases. Remarkable high percentages of shadow cases are reported in the three groups especially among non-A-E hepatitis patients.

English

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections may have role in introducing or complicating the clinical outcome in patients with thalassemia. In this study, the molecular and serological prevalence of HGV and HCV infections were evaluated in patients with thalassemia and compared with healthy controls. In a cross sectional study, the samples were collected from 86 patients with thalassemia and 100 healthy controls. The anti-HCV and HGV antibodies were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Also, the HGV and HCV viremia were analyzed in patients with thalassemia and controls by multiplex-nested-real time-polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) protocol. Our results showed that the anti-E2-HGV and HCV antibodies were found in 16 of 86 and 18 of 86 of thalassemia patients and none of controls, respectively. HGV viremia was diagnosed in 13 of 86 of patients with thalassemia and in 1of 100 of controls. HCV-RNA was diagnosed in 12 of 86 and 6 of 100 of thalassemia and healthy controls, respectively. The diagnosis of significant higher prevalence of HGV and HCV in patients with thalassemia compared with controls in this region of Iran emphasized the importance of these lymphotropic viral hepatitis infections in pathogenesis and outcome of thalassemia patients.

Etiology of hepatitis G virus (HGV) and hepatitis type C virus (HCV) infections in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients in Southern Iran

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) and hepatitis type C virus (HCV) may implicate malignant lymphoma including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) for inducing the proliferative process of lymphocytes. In this study, the molecular and serologic prevalence of HGV and HCV infections was evaluated in patients with NHL and compared with the controls. In this cross sectional study, ethylene diamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA)treated blood samples were collected from 140 patients with NHL and 120 healthy controls from 2007 to 2011 years. The serological markers of HCV and HGV viruses were evaluated in both studied groups by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Also, the HGV and HCV viremia was analyzed in patients with NHL and control group by reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR protocols. Anti-E2-Ab was detected in 5 of 140 (3.6%) NHL patients. HGV-RNA was diagnosed in 6 of the 140 (4.3%) studied patients. HGV-RNA was diagnosed in 3 of the 120 (2.5%) controls. HCV-RNA was diagnosed in 22 of the 140 (15.7%) patients with NHL. Also, significant difference was detected in the prevalence of HCV genome between NHL and the controls. Significant differences were not found in serologic and molecular prevalence of HGV between NHL and the controls. Determination of the active and persistent infections of HGV in patients with NHL compared with the controls and also identification of higher significant prevalence of HCV infection in patients with NHL proposed strong association between HCV infection and NHL pathogenesis.

Low Prevalence of Antibody to Hepatitis G Virus Among the Risk Groups and Healthy Population of Bangladesh

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a RNA virus, which was identified in 1995-1996 as a transfusion transmissible virus and is associated with acute or chronic hepatitis. The sero-prevalence of hepatitis G virus was evaluated among various risk groups and healthy controls from Bangladesh.A total of 252 subjects comprising of Intra-venous drug users (n-40), commercial sex workers (n-30), multiply transfused patients (n-62), hemodialysis patients (n-30), anti HCV positive patients (n-30), anti HIV positive patients (n-30) and healthy population (n-30) were included in this study. Antibody to hepatitis G virus E-2 protein was detected in the serum by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall antibody prevalence of HGV was 3.2%. The highest prevalence (10%) was observed among commercial sex workers, followed by intra-venous drug users (5%). The lowest prevalence (3.3%) was observed among each of the groups of hemodialysis patients, anti-HCV positive patients and anti-HIV positive patients. Anti-HGV antibody was not detected among any subjects from the control group. Epidemiologic data indicate that HGV is prevalent in risk groups though at very low prevalence.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v4i2.10822

Hepatitis G Virus Infection in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Recife, Brazil

The evidence of a higher incidence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the relatively high prevalence of patients with primary liver carcinoma without apparent risk factors in our country motivated the present study, the objective of which was to determine the frequency of HGV-ribonucleic acid (RNA) in a series of patients with HCC. The diagnosis of HCC was established based on alpha-fetoprotein levels (>400 ng/ml), a compatible image and/or biopsy of the hepatic nodules. Markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (HBsAg and anti-HBc), hepatitis C virus (HCV) (anti-HCV) and HGV (HGV-RNA) were investigated using MEIA and RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction). There were 32 patients evaluated, including 20 males (63%), with a mean age of 58 years. Twenty-eight (88%) patients were cirrhotic (Child-Pugh: A = 8 patients, B = 14, and C = 6) and 50% reported alcohol consumption. Serological hepatitis markers were detected in 26 (81%) patients, including HBV in 19 (59%), HCV in 12 (38%) and HGV in 9 (28%). Only one (3%) patient was positive for HGV alone. The prevalence of HGV in blood donors from the same region is 10%. The findings suggest that, despite the frequent detection of HGV markers in patients with HCC, isolated infection with this agent does not seem to be a relevant factor in the etiology of this carcinoma.

Hepatitis G virus infection in healthy individuals, acute viral hepatitis and persons at risk for parenteral transmission

Background: Hepatitis G virus (HGV), transmitted mostly by parenteral route, has been under investigation for its role as an agent for viral hepatitis. This study was carried out to find out the prevalence of HGV in healthy individuals, multi-transfused patients with acute viral hepatitis and those under going dialysis. Method: The study included 200 healthy individuals and 180 patients, comprising acute viral hepatitis (100 cases), multi-transfused patients (50 cases) and patients undergoing dialysis (30 cases). HGV RNA and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA was detected by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in all. Viral marker studies for hepatitis A, B and E were carried out by ELISA in acute viral hepatitis cases. In healthy individuals, in patients with multiple transfusions or those undergoing dialysis, marker studies for HBV and HCV were carried out. Result: The prevalence of HGV in healthy individuals was 2.5% (5/200), in non A-E hepatitis 3% (3/100), in multi-transfused patients 4% (2/50) and in patients undergoing dialysis 6.67% (2/30). There was no significant difference in the prevalence rate of HGV infection in healthy individuals and in patients with non A-E hepatitis. Conclusion: Depending on prevalence rate, HGV could not be implicated as cause of acute viral hepatitis. Persons with parenteral risk factor (multiple blood transfusions and those undergoing dialysis) had higher prevalence rate as compared to healthy individuals.

Hepatitis G virus: Prevalence in blood donors in armed forces

Background: A new RNA virus designated hepatitis G virus (HGV) was recently identified. Because HGV has less than 25% sequence or amino acid homology with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other established Flaviviridae, it is considered to be a new genus in this growing family of hapatotropic viruses. Hepatitis G virus has been associated with hepatitis and is transmitted through parenteral and sexual route. Material and methods: A study comprising 500 healthy voluntary blood donors (service personnel) was under taken to find out prevalence of HGV. HGV RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase — polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and antibody to HCV were detected by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: Thirteen donors (2.6%) were positive for HGV RNA. 17 donors (3.4%) were positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) by ELISA. Co-infection of HGV with hepatitis B virus (HBV) was seen in 5 donors and with HCV infection in 2 donors. Co-infection of HGV, HBV and HCV was not seen in any donor. Conclusion: So far there is no conclusive evidence that HGV produces hepatitis. But presence of HGV in hepatitis cases casts a doubt on this finding. Prevalence rate in blood donors may be helpful in future studies when the exact role of HGV is known.

Liver histology in co-infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis G virus (HGV).

As little is known about liver histology in the co-infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis G virus (HGV), HGV RNA was investigated in 46 blood donors with hepatitis C, 22 of them with liver biopsy: co-infection HCV / HGV (n = 6) and HCV isolated infection (n = 16). Besides staging and grading of inflammation at portal, peri-portal and lobular areas (Brazilian Consensus), the fibrosis progression index was also calculated. All patients had no symptoms or signs of liver disease and prevalence of HGV / HCV co-infection was 15.2%. Most patients had mild liver disease and fibrosis progression index, calculated only in patients with known duration of infection, was 0.110 for co-infection and 0.130 for isolated HCV infection, characterizing these patients as "slow fibrosers". No statistical differences could be found between the groups, although a lesser degree of inflammation was always present in co-infection. In conclusion co-infection HCV / HGV does not induce a more aggressive liver disease, supporting the hypothesis that HGV is not pathogenic.

Prevalence of and risk factors for hepatitis G (HGV) infection in haemodialysis patients: a multicentre study.

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) or GB-virus type C (GBV-C) is, like hepatitis C, a blood-borne virus and a member of the family of flaviviridae. HGV is distributed globally and is present in the volunteer blood donor population. Thus, for epidemiological reasons, HGV is of interest in haemodialysis patients, who are at risk of parenterally transmitted infections. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the prevalence of HGV by antibody testing and HGV-RNA determination by PCR. The study was performed in haemodialysis units of the Patienten-Heim-Versorgung, an organization of haemodialysis units throughout Germany. A total of 2796 out of 3042 patients (92%) from 43 haemodialysis units were enrolled prospectively in the trial. Liver function tests were performed and epidemiologic data were obtained to evaluate risk factors for HGV in haemodialysis patients. Antibodies against HGV were detected in 485 patients (17.5%). Viraemia was seen in 380 out of 1935 patients tested (19.6%). Fifty-eight patients (3.0%) were positive for both antibodies and HGV-RNA. Using a standard questionnaire in 1717 out of the 2786 patients, it was found that more than five blood transfusions increased the risk of HGV infection significantly (P<0.05). There was no association found between HGV infection and the length of time on haemodialysis. HGV is common in German haemodialysis patients but, in contrast to other parenterally transmitted viruses, there is no further risk for new infections during haemodialysis, except for patients who have received several blood transfusions.

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection in voluntary and commercial blood donors in India

The prevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) has been determined in commercial as well as voluntary blood donors from India by detecting viral RNA genome using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. 45 professional blood donors from private blood banks and 50 healthy controls who opted for voluntary blood donation were recruited for the study. Both the groups were also screened serologically for HBV and HCV infection. The prevalence of HGV in the general population in India was found to be 4% but significantly a higher frequency (46.6%; p < 0.001) of HGV was observed in commercial blood donors.

Epidemiology and Natural History of Hepatitis G Virus Infection in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) have recently been identified as having a high prevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection. The clinical significance of HGV in this population remains unclear, with no data available as to the acquisition and natural history of HGV infection in this group. Aims: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of HGV in a large cohort of chronic HD patients, and to evaluate the incidence and clinical consequences of HGV over time in this population. Methods: Paired sera from 292 patients undergoing chronic HD treatment in four units in the Los Angeles area were tested for HGV RNA before and after they had been on HD for a mean period of 9.7 ± 1.9 months. HGV was tested by a single-step RT-PCR using two couples of primers located in two different portions (5′UTR, NS5a) of the genome. The amplified products were detected by hybridization with 5′ biotin-labeled probes specific for each region. Results: At study entry there were 50 HGV RNA-positive patients, thus the HGV prevalence was 17% (50/292). The multivariate analysis by ordinal logistic regression model showed association (p = 0.0013) between HGV RNA and the location of patients among the HD units. No other significant associations were observed. Three (3/50 = 6%) HGV RNA-positive patients at study entry and 3 (3/41 = 7%) at the end of the follow-up showed a mild increase of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in absence of other apparent causes of liver damage. 35 (70%) out of 50 HGV viremic patients had persistently detectable viremia during the study period; 15 (30%) had non-persistently detectable HGV RNA in the second serum specimen. There was no significant difference between the patients with persistently detectable HGV RNA and those who showed non-persistently detectable HGV viremia with regard to demographic, clinical or virological features. Six patients without detectable HGV viremia at the start of the study showed de novo HGV infection during the follow-up, thus the HGV incidence was 3.07% per year. These individuals did not simultaneously acquire HBV or HCV markers; de novo HGV infection was not associated with other demographic, clinical or virological features. One (16.7%) out of 6 individuals with HGV acquisition had persistently raised ALT levels and chronic HBsAg positivity. The prevalence of HGV was 14% (41/292) at the end of the observation period. Conclusions: The prevalence of HGV in our HD population was high; HGV positivity was strongly associated with the location of HD patients among the units; some HD individuals with current HGV infection showed biochemical signs of liver disease without other apparent causes. De novo acquisition of HGV occurred within HD units in the absence of evident parenteral risk factors for HGV other than their presence in the HD environment. A large portion of HGV viremic patients showed non-persistently detectable HGV viremia during the study. Acquisition of HGV was not associated with a rise in ALT activity unlike prior experience with de novo HCV in HD patients. Further investigations are warranted to explain the modes of HGV acquisition and the clinical significance of HGV in th HD population.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B, C, E, and G virus infections and molecular analysis of hepatitis G virus isolates in Bolivia.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis G virus (HGV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV) was investigated among 574 healthy blood donors in Bolivia. HCV RNA and HGV RNA in the serum were identified by a nested reverse transcription-PCR using primers derived from the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR). We also tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and for the antibody to HEV. The results revealed that HGV RNA was present in 84 of 574 (14.6%) tested blood donors, whereas HBsAg was detected in only 2 (0.3%) donors, and no individuals positive for HCV RNA were found. Anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) was detected in 93 (16.2%) individuals and anti-HEV IgM was found in 10 (1.7%) individuals among the same population. Phylogenetic analysis of 44 HGV isolates in the 5' UTR showed that 27 (61%) isolates were genotype 3 (Asian type) and the remaining 17 (39%) isolates were genotype 2 (United States and European type). Moreover, we obtained a full-length nucleotide sequence of the HGV genome (designated HGV-BL230) recovered from a Bolivian blood donor. The BL230 was composed of 9,227 nucleotides and had a single open reading frame, encoding 2,842 amino acid residues. Interestingly, the BL230 belonged to genotype 2 of HGV at the level of a full-length sequence, although this was classified as genotype 3 by a phylogenetic analysis based on the 5' UTR sequence. The BL230 differed from previously reported HGV/hepatitis GB virus type C isolates by 12 to 13% of the nucleotide sequence and 4% of the amino acid sequence. Our data indicate a high prevalence of HGV in native Bolivians, and the major genotype of HGV was type 3.

Hepatitis G virus infections in Iceland.

This study describes the prevalence of hepatitisG virus (HGV) in Iceland, in blood donors and in persons with parenteral risk factors. Among 370 randomly selected Icelandic blood donors, the prevalence of HGV viraemia was 3.8%, whereas the prevalence of HGV antibodies in the same donor group was found to be 13.2%, thus indicating that at least 17% of blood donors in Iceland had previously been exposed to HGV. Previous exposure was seen in all age groups and also in older blood donors. Among intravenous drug users (IVDUs), the prevalence of HGV was much higher. Among 109 hepatitisC virus (HCV) antibody-positive serum samples collected in the years 1992-1997, 33. 9% were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive for HGV and 48.6% had HGV antibodies. Thus, the pattern of HGV in IVDUs was similar to findings among IVDUs in other western countries. HGV viraemia was detected neither in 10 patients with haemophilia nor in five dialysis patients. However, six of the 10 haemophilic patients and one of the five dialysis patients had HGV antibody. In conclusion, unlike hepatitis C, which seems to have been introduced into Iceland relatively recently and has remained virtually confined to IVDUs, exposure to HGV is common among all age groups in the general population, suggesting that the virus has been prevalent in Iceland for much longer, making additional routes of transmission probable.

PREVALENCE OF HGV AND TTV INFECTION IN CHILDREN WITH CRYPTOGENIC CHRONIC HEPATITIS

23 Recently, two new viruses: hepatitis G virus (HGV) and transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) have been identified as aetiological agents of both post-transfusion and community acquired hepatitis. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of HGV and TTV infection in children with cryptogenic chronic hepatitis (CCH). Methods: 46 children (24 males; mean age 6.9 years; range 1.5-17 years) with CCH was studied. CCH was diagnosed when serum alanine aminotransferase levels were more than 1.5 times normal levels for over 6 months without any apparent cause of liver disease. No patient had acute symptomatic onset or had received a blood transfusion. All appeared healthy during follow-up (median 4.2 years; range 1-10 years). HGV-RNA was detected by RT-nested PCR with primers from the NS-5 region of HGV. TTV-DNA was detected by semi-nested PCR with TTV-specific primers derived from two conserved regions of the published sequences. Results: Serum HGV-RNA was dected in 2 girls (4%) (aged 8 and 13 years), serum TTV-DNA was found only in a 6-year old boy (2%). One of the 2 HGV-infected girls and the TTV-infected patient showed mild hypertransaminasemia (about 1-1.5 folds the upper normal value) during the entire period of observation. The other HGV-infected girl showed fluctuating levels of ALT with peaks of 10-20 folds the upper normal value. Only in this patient liver biopsy was performed and evidence of steatosis, portal fibrosis and septa was found. After HGV-infection and TTV-infection were identified in these 3 children, their family members were screened for HGV and TTV infection, respectively. The mother of an HGV-infected girl and the father of the TTV-infected boy showed in serum HGV-RNA and TTV-DNA, respectively. The other HGV-infected girl had as only risk factor a minor surgical procedure in the clinical history. The parents who were found HGV- and TTV-infected, respectively, were healthy looking, had ALT in the normal range and did not report any over risk factor for viral hepatitis in their clinical history. No history of blood contacts between TTV-infected father and his TTV-infected child was reported; furthermore, it is to note that the mother did not show TTV-DNA in serum in two occasions. None of 5 siblings showed evidence of HGV or TTV infections. Conclusions: HGV and TTV seem to play a minor role in children with CCH. In 2 of 3 studied cases an intrafamilial transmission was observed. Although HGV and TTV infection in the majority of the cases are not associated with a significant liver damage, in our experience an HGV-infected girl showed evidence of severe hepatitis.

Prevalence of hepatitis G virus and characterization of viral genome in Ghana

The prevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection was investigated in 85 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and 30 uninfected individuals' sera obtained from Ghanaians. HGV RNA in serum was identified by a nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers derived from the 5′-noncoding region. We also tested for hepatitis C virus by nested RT-PCR and for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by passive hemagglutination method. HGV RNA was detected in 17 of 85 (20%) HIV sero-positive and three of 30 (10%) sero-negative Ghanaians, respectively. The prevalence of HGV infection was much greater than hepatitis C (0.9%) and hepatitis B virus (7.8%) infections in the present study. Ninety four percent of HGV infected patients were seronegative for hepatitis B and C virus infections. The nine different Ghanaian isolates in the 5′-untranslated region of the HGV genome had one nucleotide deletion at the same position when compared with other HGV isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all Ghanaian isolates belonged to type 1 (West Africa type) of the HGV genotypes. Moreover, we determined nearly full-length nucleotide sequence of the HGV genome (denoted HGV-GA128) recovered from a Ghanaian infected with HIV. The HGV-GA128 was composed of 9231 nucleotides and had a single open reading frame, encoding 2843 amino acid residues. This isolate differed from previously reported HGV/GBV-C isolates by 10–15% of the nucleotide sequence and 2–5% of the amino acid sequence. Our data indicate a high prevalence of HGV, especially genotype 1, in Ghana.

Hepatitis G virus in multitransfused thalassaemics from India.

Hepatitis G virus (HGV)/GB virus-C (GBV-C) has been identified as a blood-borne agent with disputed pathogenicity. This virus belongs to the flaviviridae with a distant relationship to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Genetically divergent HGV isolates have been reported from different parts of the world. This study describes the prevalence of HGV in multitransfused thalassaemic children in India and genomic sequence variations in 11 HGV isolates from the same geographical location. Hepatitis G virus RNA was detected in 39.7% multitransfused thalassaemic children. The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV was 23.8% and 17.1%, respectively, and 11.4% had dual infection. The nucleotide sequence of a 166 bp HGV genomic segment from the putative capsid-envelope region (nucleotide; nt 578-743) from 11 Indian isolates was compared to the sequences available in the nucleotide databases. The isolates from India were 81.3-94.5% homologous to the isolates from other parts of the world. On phylogenetic analysis, it was observed that HGV isolates from India may belong to two genetically divergent types.

Hepatitis G Virus: Prevalence and Sequence Analysis in Blood Donors of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Background and objectives: Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a recently discovered viral agent transmitted by blood, which was firstly identified in patients with acute or chronic liver disease. HGV prevalence in US blood donors was recently found to average 1–2%. We report a much higher HGV frequency among blood donors of São Paulo, Brazil. Materials and methods: 200 serum samples were submitted to RT-PCR using primers directed to the 5′ untranslated region and nonstructural 5A (NS5A) region. PCR products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis and Southern blot hybridization. Results: Of the 200 specimens, 18 (9%; 95% CI 5.4–13.8%) were positive by both sets of primers. Sequence analysis of the NS5A PCR products revealed a homology of 96.3%. Of the 18 HGV-positive symples, only one was positive for anti-HBc and all were anti-HCV- and HCV-RNA-negative. Conclusion: Such a high prevalence of HGV in a nonsymptomatic population suggests that this is a benign agent.

Hepatitis G Virus: Prevalence and Sequence Analysis in Blood Donors of São Paulo, Brazil

Background and objectives: Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a recently discovered viral agent transmitted by blood, which was firstly identified in patients with acute or chronic liver disease. HGV prevalence in US blood donors was recently found to average 1–2%. We report a much higher HGV frequency among blood donors of São Paulo, Brazil. Materials and methods: 200 serum samples were submitted to RT-PCR using primers directed to the 5′ untranslated region and nonstructural 5A (NS5A) region. PCR products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis and Southern blot hybridization. Results: Of the 200 specimens, 18 (9%; 95% CI 5.4–13.8%) were positive by both sets of primers. Sequence analysis of the NS5A PCR products revealed a homology of 96.3%. Of the 18 HGV-positive symples, only one was positive for anti-HBc and all were anti-HCV- and HCV-RNA-negative. Conclusion: Such a high prevalence of HGV in a nonsymptomatic population suggests that this is a benign agent.