GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus infection in an area endemic for viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease, and liver cancer
Journal
Gastroenterology
Journal Volume
112
Journal Issue
4
Pages
1265-1270
Date Issued
1997
Author(s)
Abstract
Background and Aims: GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) is a newly identified flavivirus, and little is known about its clinical significance. GBV-C/HGV was investigated in different populations, and its coinfection was investigated in patients with liver disease in Taiwan where hepatitis B and C are endemic. Methods: Viral RNA was studied in 70 high-risk individuals, 20 patients with chronic non-B, non-C hepatitis, 13 with non-A-E fulminant hepatitis, 100 with asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen carriage, 120 with hepatitis B surface antigen-positive chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma, 100 patients with chronic hepatitis C, and 100 healthy adults. Results: GBV-C/HGV infection was more frequent in high-risk groups (15%-30%) and hepatitis C virus carriers (10%) than in healthy adults (1%) and hepatitis B virus carriers (3.2%). Eighty-three percent of those infected had undergone blood transfusions previously. The prevalence in hepatitis B virus carriers increased with the severity of liver disease, being 1% in asymptomatic carriers and 10% in hepatocellular carcinoma. In chronic hepatitis C, clinical and virological data were comparable between those with and without coinfection. Conclusions: In Taiwan, GBV-C/HGV infection is common in high-risk groups, and its coinfection seems to not aggravate the course of chronic hepatitis B or C.
SDGs
Other Subjects
virus RNA; adult; aged; article; chronic hepatitis; chronic liver disease; disease association; endemic disease; female; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; Hepatitis G virus; high risk population; human; liver cancer; major clinical study; male; priority journal; reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; Taiwan; virus detection; virus hepatitis
Publisher
W.B. Saunders
Type
journal article