GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus infection in prostitutes: Possible role of sexual transmission
Journal
Journal of Medical Virology
Journal Volume
52
Journal Issue
4
Pages
381-384
Date Issued
1997
Author(s)
Abstract
The modes of transmission of GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) other than by blood transfusion are largely unknown. The prevalence of GBV- C/HGV viremia and the associated risk factors in 145 female prostitutes were examined. The seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and GBV-C/HGV RNA were 14%, 18%, and 11%, respectively. The demographic characteristics were similar between subjects with and without HBsAg. In contrast, those with HCV or GBV-C/HGV infection had practised longer as prostitutes and received blood transfusion more frequently. Moreover, the prevalence of GBV-C/HGV RNA and anti-HCV tended to increase in parallel with the duration of prostitution. These results suggest that like HCV, sexual transmission of GBV-C/HGV occurs and the risk increased with prolonged duration of exposure. The transmission efficiency between GBV-C/HGV and HCV appears to be similar.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; article; female; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; Hepatitis G virus; human; major clinical study; prevalence; prostitution; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; risk factor; RNA virus; sexually transmitted disease; viremia; virus transmission; Adult; Aged; Base Sequence; DNA Primers; Female; Flaviviridae; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis, Viral, Human; Humans; Middle Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prostitution; Risk Factors; RNA, Viral; Taiwan; GB virus C/Hepatitis G virus; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; RNA viruses
Type
journal article