1
|
Yu Y, Wan Z, Wang JH, Yang X, Zhang C. Review of human pegivirus: Prevalence, transmission, pathogenesis, and clinical implication. Virulence 2022; 13:324-341. [PMID: 35132924 PMCID: PMC8837232 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2029328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pegivirus (HPgV-1), previously known as GB virus C (GBV-C) or hepatitis G virus (HGV), is a single-stranded positive RNA virus belonging to the genus Pegivirus of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted by percutaneous injuries (PIs), contaminated blood and/or blood products, sexual contact, and vertical mother-to-child transmission. It is widely prevalent in general population, especially in high-risk groups. HPgV-1 viremia is typically cleared within the first 1–2 years of infection in most healthy individuals, but may persist for longer periods of time in immunocompromised individuals and/or those co-infected by other viruses. A large body of evidences indicate that HPgV-1 persistent infection has a beneficial clinical effect on many infectious diseases, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and hepatitis C. The beneficial effects seem to be related to a significant reduction of immune activation, and/or the inhabitation of co-infected viruses (e.g. HIV-1). HPgV-1 has a broad cellular tropism for lymphoid and myeloid cells, and preferentially replicates in bone marrow and spleen without cytopathic effect, implying a therapeutic potential. The paper aims to summarize the natural history, prevalence and distribution characteristics, and pathogenesis of HPgV-1, and discuss its association with other human viral diseases, and potential use in therapy as a biovaccine or viral vector.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenzhou Wan
- Medical Laboratory of Taizhou Fourth People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Jian-Hua Wang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianguang Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chiyu Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zimmerman J, Blackard JT. Human pegivirus type 1 infection in Asia-A review of the literature. Rev Med Virol 2021; 32:e2257. [PMID: 34038600 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The human pegivirus type 1 (HPgV-1)-as known as hepatitis G virus and GB virus C-is a common single-stranded RNA flavivirus. Because few studies have demonstrated an association between HPgV-1 infection and disease, screening for HPgV-1 is not performed routinely. Nonetheless, a beneficial impact of HPgV-1 infection on HIV disease progression has been reported in multiple studies. Given the burden of HIV in Asia and the complex interactions between viral co-infections and the host, we provide a comprehensive overview of the existing data from Asia on HPgV-1 infection, including the prevalence and circulating genotypes in all Asian countries with data reported. This review highlights the research conducted thus far and emphasizes the need for additional studies on HPgV-1 across the Asian continent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Zimmerman
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jason T Blackard
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang N, Dai R, Zhang X. Global prevalence of human pegivirus-1 in healthy volunteer blood donors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Vox Sang 2019; 115:107-119. [PMID: 31845353 DOI: 10.1111/vox.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The local prevalence of HPgV-1 has been reported from different countries worldwide, but the global prevalence of HPgV-1 remains unknown. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to gather data from the literature to estimate the prevalence of HPgV-1 in healthy volunteer blood donors in the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar databases for records up to January 2019 and included studies reporting HPgV-1 virus prevalence amongst healthy volunteer blood donors based on the detection of HPgV-1 RNA. RESULTS In all, we included 79 studies for the systematic review and 63 for the meta-analysis. Based on the random effect meta-analysis of 35 468 volunteer blood donors, we found the global prevalence of HPgV-1 to be 3·1% (95% CI, 2·4-4·1). The pooled prevalences of HPgV-1 were 1·7% (95% CI, 1·1-2·6) in North America, 9·1% (95% CI, 6·4-12·7) in South America, 2·3% (95% CI, 2%, 2·8) in Europe and 2·4% (95% CI, 1·4-4) in Asia. Subgroup analyses based on age, gender or risk factors were not possible. CONCLUSION Approximately 3 in 100 blood donations worldwide are positive for HPgV-1 increasing the risk of infection from transfusion of their components to subsequent recipients. Further research on virus pathogenicity is required before recommending routine screening of HPgV-1 for healthy volunteer blood donors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Yang
- Yantai Central Blood Station, Yantai, China
| | - Run Dai
- Yantai Central Blood Station, Yantai, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Short article: Hepatitis C and G virus coinfection in Punjab, Pakistan: incidence and its correlation analysis with clinical data. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:389-392. [PMID: 30383555 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection appears to be common in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HCV/HGV in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Pakistan and to look for possible associations with various clinical and histopathological changes in HCV/HGV coinfection and HCV infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS The present study included 136 patients. Clinical, biochemical, virological and histological findings were compared between patients coinfected with HCV/HGV and patients with HCV alone. RESULTS Of the 136 patients with CHC, 16 (11.76%) were coinfected with HCV/HGV. The mean age of coinfected patients was lower than in patients with HCV alone. HCV/HGV coinfected patients did not show significant differences in sex, clinical presentation, biochemical markers, and liver fibrosis as compared to those with HCV infection. Only the mean values of platelets count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration markers were significantly different in HCV/HGV coinfected patients as compare to patients with HCV alone. CONCLUSION It was found that 11.76% of patients with CHC in Pakistan were associated with HCV/HGV coinfection. No significant differences were observed in clinical and histological features except for platelets count, MCH, and MCH concentration markers between HCV and HGV coinfected patients in comparison with HCV-infected patients.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is newly identified virus, transmitted by infected blood and blood products. Effect of HGV infection on liver diseases is not well known. Aims: Co-infection of HGV with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been reported however; very limited data is available from India. Therefore, we have performed a pilot study for the presence of co-infection of HGV in chronic liver disease patients. Setting and Design: The study was performed in research laboratory at P.D. Hinduja National hospital and Medical research center, Mahim, Mumbai. Prospective study was designed. Methods and Materials: Forty HBV, HCV related chronic liver disease patients were studied. Forty randomly selected voluntary healthy blood donors visiting our blood bank were included as controls. Serum bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were estimated. HGV infection was detected by using reverse transcriptase molony murine leukemia virus (M-MLV) with the help of HGV 340/625IC kit (Sacace, Italy). Results and Conclusion: One HCV positive patient had infection with HGV among 40 HBV/HCV chronic liver disease patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amruta D Pathare
- Department of Research, Transfusion Medicine, P.D. Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tassopoulos NC, Papatheodoridis GV, Delladetsima I, Hatzakis A. Clinicopathological features and natural history of acute sporadic non-(A-E) hepatitis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008; 23:1208-15. [PMID: 18554239 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2008.05454.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the present study was to describe the clinicopathological characteristics and the natural history of acute non-(A-E) hepatitis and to assess the possible role of hepatitis G virus (HGV), TT virus (TTV) and mainly SEN virus (SENV). METHODS A cohort of 55 patients with sporadic acute non-(A-E) hepatitis with a mean follow up of 31 (6-55) months was studied. RESULTS The clinical presentation was fulminant in one (1.8%), protracted with impaired regeneration in seven (12.7%) and benign in the remaining 47 (85.5%) cases. Progression to chronic hepatitis was observed in 15 (27.3%) patients; it was more frequent in clinically severe than in non-severe cases (five of eight patients or 62.5% vs 10 of 47 patients or 21.3%, P = 0.028). Six of 10 biopsied chronic non-(A-E) cases developed cirrhosis within 10-33 months. Serum HGV-RNA was detected in 16 of 55 (29.1%) patients, TTV in 20 of 38 (52.6%) patients and SENV-D/H DNA in 20 of 55 (36.4%) cases. HGV-RNA was detected more frequently in clinically severe than in non-severe cases (five of eight or 62.5% vs 11 of 47 or 23.4%, P = 0.038). There was no other association between the presence of HGV, TTV, or SENV infection and patient characteristics or severity and outcome of disease. CONCLUSIONS HGV, TTV, and SENV do not seem to be responsible for the majority of sporadic acute non-(A-E) hepatitis cases. Our cohort further supports the existence of new, unknown hepatitis agent(s) with uncertain mode of transmission. The non-(A-E) agent(s) can also cause chronic hepatitis, which often has an aggressive course with rapid development of cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaos C Tassopoulos
- National Retrovirus Reference Center, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ramezani A, Gachkar L, Eslamifar A, Khoshbaten M, Jalilvand S, Adibi L, Salimi V, Hamkar R. Detection of hepatitis G virus envelope protein E2 antibody in blood donors. Int J Infect Dis 2007; 12:57-61. [PMID: 17629534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2007.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2006] [Revised: 04/11/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2007] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The frequency of hepatitis G virus exposure in blood donors varies between 2.5% in Japan to 24.2% in Poland. Therefore there is a geographic difference in distribution of hepatitis G virus (HGV) in the world. We aimed to determine the frequency of HGV exposure in Iranian blood donors. METHODS Blood samples from 478 Iranian volunteer blood donors were tested. Positive anti-E2 samples were tested for HGV RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) using primers derived from the NS5A region of the viral genome. RESULTS Of the 478 donors enrolled in our study, five (1%) were positive for anti-E2. Only one donor out of a total of three HBsAg-positive donors was co-infected with HGV, but we did not find HGV and HCV co-infection in our subjects. HGV RNA was not observed in the five anti-E2-positive subjects. We did not find HGV viremia and antibody at the same time. CONCLUSION A low frequency of HGV exposure in blood donors was found in this study. We did not observe co-infection of HGV with HCV in our subjects, supporting the theory that although the parenteral route is the most effective means of transmission, other routes such as sexual contact and intra-familial contact may also play a role in HGV transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amitis Ramezani
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shaheed Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tanaka E, Matsumoto A, Takeda N, Li TC, Umemura T, Yoshizawa K, Miyakawa Y, Miyamura T, Kiyosawa K. Age-specific antibody to hepatitis E virus has remained constant during the past 20 years in Japan. J Viral Hepat 2005; 12:439-42. [PMID: 15985017 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2005.00616.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the presence of antibodies to hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) and hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) by enzyme immunoassays in sera from 1015 individuals collected in 1974, 1984 and 1994. Age-specific profiles of anti-HEV remained unchanged with a peak at 40-49 years, while those of anti-HAV started to increase in individuals aged 20-29 years in 1974, 30-39 years in 1984 and 40-49 years in 1994. These results suggest that a silent HEV infection has been taking place in the last 20 years or so in Japan, while HAV infection has been terminated at least since 1974.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Asahi, Matsumoto, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ayed K, Gorgi Y, Ben Abdallah T. High prevalence of hepatitis G virus infection in prospective transplant patients with hepatitis C infection. Transplant Proc 2004; 35:2576-7. [PMID: 14612023 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2003.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K Ayed
- Immunology Laboratory, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chams V, Fournier-Wirth C, Chabanel A, Hervé P, Trépo C. [Is GB virus C alias "hepatitis" G virus involved in human pathology?]. Transfus Clin Biol 2003; 10:292-306. [PMID: 14563418 DOI: 10.1016/s1246-7820(03)00095-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
GB virus-C alias "hepatitis" virus G was discovered in 1995 as a putative causative virus of non A-E hepatitis. It is a very common virus found in 1 to 5% of eligible blood donors in developed countries. Numerous studies over seven years led to the exclusion of its role as a significant etiological agent of hepatitis. Its in vivo replication site is still unknown. Its direct involvement in the induction of significant hepatic or extra-hepatic diseases could not be demonstrated. However, coinfections with other viruses may contribute to changes in the evolution of both liver disease (negatively) and HIV/AIDS (favourably). Today, no country has decided to screen GBV-C in blood donors. However, more studies are necessary before the absence of influence of GBV-C infection on human health in the context of other viral infections could be confirmed definitely. This article is a review of the literature on a possible involvement of GBV-C in pathologies whether associated or not to other infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Chams
- Etablissement français du sang, 100 avenue de Suffren, 75015 Paris, France.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Takata Y, Tominaga K, Naito T, Kurokawa H, Sonoki K, Goto D, Wakisaka M, Fukuda J, Yokota M, Takahashi T. Prevalence of hepatitis viral infection in dental patients with impacted teeth or jaw deformities. ORAL SURGERY, ORAL MEDICINE, ORAL PATHOLOGY, ORAL RADIOLOGY, AND ENDODONTICS 2003; 96:26-31. [PMID: 12847440 DOI: 10.1016/s1079-2104(03)00094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis G virus (HGV), and transfusion-transmitted viruses (TTV) was evaluated in patients with impacted teeth or jaw deformities. STUDY DESIGN Of 486 patients, 268 had serum samples available for retrospective TTV DNA and HGV RNA assays. In addition, the sera of 404 patients were assayed for HB surface antigen and the sera of 340 were assayed for HCV antibody. RESULTS HGV RNA was detected in 3 of 268 patients (1.1%), and TTV DNA was detected in 60 of 268 (22.4%). Of 404 patients, 3 had HB surface antigens (0.7%). Furthermore, 13 of 340 were HCV-seropositive (3.8%). The rate of infection was similar between patients with impacted teeth and those with jaw deformities, respectively, as follows: 1.1% versus 0%, respectively, for HBV prevalence; 4.1% versus 3.2% for HCV prevalence; 1.8% versus 0% for HGV prevalence; and 22.9% versus 21.4% for TTV prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Universal precautions to prevent hepatitis and TTV infection during oral surgical procedures are important.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- DNA, Viral/analysis
- Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control
- Female
- GB virus C/genetics
- Hepatitis B Antigens/blood
- Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/blood
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/complications
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/transmission
- Humans
- Jaw Abnormalities/complications
- Male
- RNA, Viral/analysis
- Tooth, Impacted/complications
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Takata
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chu CM, Lin DY, Yeh CT, Sheen IS, Liaw YF. Epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of acute non-A-E hepatitis. J Med Virol 2001; 65:296-300. [PMID: 11536236 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.2033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A substantial proportion of acute non-A, non-B hepatitis was of unknown etiology and was termed non-A-E hepatitis. Analysis of the clinical features is needed while attempting to identify the causative agent(s). In this study, the clinical and biochemical features of 53 patients who were admitted to hospital with acute non-A-E hepatitis were compared with a cohort of patients with acute hepatitis C (n = 70) and E (n = 5). In acute non-A-E hepatitis, the sex ratio was 34:19, and ages ranged from 21 to 76 years (median 49). Biochemical tests [median (range)] revealed albumin 3.6 (2.2-4.4) g/dl, AST 714 (193-2311) U/l, ALT 896 (310-3,000) U/l, bilirubin 11.2 (0.9-36.3) mg/dl, and prothrombin time > 1.1 (0-11.5) seconds. No patients reported parenteral exposures or household contact. Forty-five percent had severe hepatitis (i.e., albumin < 3 g/dl, bilirubin > 15 mg/dl or prothrombin time > 3 sec), including 3% with fulminant hepatitis. Chronic evolution was noted in 7%. These features were similar to those of hepatitis C or E, except for a significantly high frequency of parenteral exposures (20%), household contact (16%), and chronicity (70%) in hepatitis C. In conclusion, there is no obvious parenteral risk factor identified in acute non-A-E hepatitis. Clinical severity is similar to that of hepatitis C at least in hospitalized patients, but the rate of chronic evolution is much lower.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C M Chu
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nakai K, Win KM, Oo SS, Arakawa Y, Abe K. Molecular characteristic-based epidemiology of hepatitis B, C, and E viruses and GB virus C/hepatitis G virus in Myanmar. J Clin Microbiol 2001; 39:1536-9. [PMID: 11283083 PMCID: PMC87966 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.39.4.1536-1539.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We carried out a molecular characteristic-based epidemiological survey of various hepatitis viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), and GB virus C (GBV-C)/hepatitis G virus (HGV), in Myanmar. The study population of 403 subjects consisted of 213 healthy individuals residing in the city of Yangon, Myanmar, and the surrounding suburbs and 190 liver disease patients (155 virus-related liver disease patients and 35 nonviral disease patients). The infection rates of the viruses among the 213 healthy subjects were as follows: 8% for HBV (16 patients), 2% for HCV (4 patients), and 8% for GBV-C/HGV (17 patients). In contrast, for 155 patients with acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma, the infection rates were 30% for HBV (46 patients), 27% for HCV (41 patients), and 11% for GBV-C/HGV (17 patients). In the nonviral liver disease group of 35 patients with alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver, liver abscess, and biliary disease, the infection rates were 6% for HBV (2 patients), 20% for HCV (7 patients), and 26% for GBV-C/HGV (9 patients). The most common viral genotypes were type C of HBV (77%), type 3b of HCV (67%), and type 2 of GBV-C/HGV (67%). Moreover, testing for HEV among 371 subjects resulted in the detection of anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in 117 patients (32%). The age prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 3% for patients younger than 20 years and 30% or more for patients 20 years of age or older. Furthermore, a high prevalence of anti-HEV IgG (24%) was also found in swine living together with humans in Yangon. These results suggest that these hepatitis virus infections are widespread in Myanmar and have led to a high incidence of acute and chronic liver disease patients in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Nakai
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sathar M, Soni P, York D. GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV): still looking for a disease. Int J Exp Pathol 2001. [PMID: 11168678 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2613.2000.00166.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
GB Virus C and Hepatitis G Virus (GBV-C/HGV) are positive, single-stranded flaviviruses. GBV-C and HGV are independent isolates of the same virus. Transmission via the blood-borne route is the commonest mode, although vertical and sexual transmission is well documented. GBV-C/HGV is distributed globally; its prevalence in the general population is 10 fold higher in African countries than in non-African countries. High prevalences of GBV-C/HGV have been found in subjects with frequent parenteral exposure and in groups at high risk of exposure to blood and blood products. The clinical significance of human infection with GBV-C/HGV is currently unclear. The virus can establish both acute and chronic infection and appears to be sensitive to interferon. Only some 12-15% of chronic Non-A, B, C hepatitis cases are infected with GBV-C/HGV. A direct association with liver pathology is still lacking and it is not yet clear as to whether GBV-C/HGV is indeed a hepatotropic virus. Current evidence suggests that the spectrum of association of GBV-C/HGV infection with extrahepatic diseases ranges from haematalogical diseases, aplastic anaemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive idiopathic thrombocytopenia and thalassemia, through to common variable immune deficiency and cryoglobunemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Sathar
- Department of Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Natal/King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pérez-Gracia T, Galán F, Girón-González JA, Lozano A, Benavides B, Fernández E, Rodríguez-Iglesias M. Detection of hepatitis G virus (HGV) RNA and antibodies to the HGV envelope protein E2 in a cohort of hemodialysis patients. J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38:4277-9. [PMID: 11060111 PMCID: PMC87584 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.38.11.4277-4279.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2000] [Accepted: 07/14/2000] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An analysis of the evolution of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection markers was performed for a cohort of 58 hemodialyzed patients. During follow-up (4.88 +/- 0.42 years), a group of these patients cleared their antibodies against the envelope protein E2 with (4 of 29 cases; 13.8%) or without (9 of 29 cases; 31%) the reappearance of viremia. This finding implies a temporally limited protection in patients previously infected with HGV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Pérez-Gracia
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
GB Virus C and Hepatitis G Virus (GBV-C/HGV) are positive, single-stranded flaviviruses. GBV-C and HGV are independent isolates of the same virus. Transmission via the blood-borne route is the commonest mode, although vertical and sexual transmission is well documented. GBV-C/HGV is distributed globally; its prevalence in the general population is 10 fold higher in African countries than in non-African countries. High prevalences of GBV-C/HGV have been found in subjects with frequent parenteral exposure and in groups at high risk of exposure to blood and blood products. The clinical significance of human infection with GBV-C/HGV is currently unclear. The virus can establish both acute and chronic infection and appears to be sensitive to interferon. Only some 12-15% of chronic Non-A, B, C hepatitis cases are infected with GBV-C/HGV. A direct association with liver pathology is still lacking and it is not yet clear as to whether GBV-C/HGV is indeed a hepatotropic virus. Current evidence suggests that the spectrum of association of GBV-C/HGV infection with extrahepatic diseases ranges from haematalogical diseases, aplastic anaemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive idiopathic thrombocytopenia and thalassemia, through to common variable immune deficiency and cryoglobunemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Sathar
- Department of Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Natal/King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fujisawa T, Horiike N, Michitaka K, Onji M. Influence of RNA titre and amino acid changes in the NS5A region of GB virus c/hepatitis G virus on the effectiveness of interferon therapy. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2000; 15:632-9. [PMID: 10921417 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02196.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A relationship between the pretreatment RNA titre of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) and the effectiveness of interferon (IFN) therapy has been reported previously. However, the influence of changes in the amino acid sequence of the NS5A region of GBV-C/HGV on the effectiveness of IFN therapy has not been examined, although this influence has been explored in patients with chronic hepatitis caused by hepatitis C virus. We examined the relationship between changes in the amino-acid sequence of the NS5A region and the effectiveness of IFN therapy. METHODS The subjects were 10 patients with chronic hepatitis C coinfected with GBV-C/HGV and treated with IFN. The pretreatment level of GBV-C/HGV-RNA (copies/mL) in their sera was measured by real-time detection polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. At 6 months after cessation of therapy, four of 10 patients had become negative for GBV-C/HGV-RNA (CR, complete response) and six patients were still positive for GBV-C/HGV-RNA (NR, non-response). We determined the nucleotide sequence of the NS5A region (amino acid residues 1865-2279; NS5A1865-2279) of pretreatment GBVC/HGV-RNA by direct sequencing. RESULTS The pretreatment GBV-C/HGV-RNA level of CR patients (7.8 x 10(4) - 6.2 x 10(5), mean 3.30 x 10(5)) was significantly lower than that of NR patients (6.3 x 10(7) - 7.2 x 10(8), mean 3.55 x 10(8); P< 0.01). The number of amino acid substitutions in NS5A1865-2279 was five to seven (mean 5.8 +/- 1.0) in CR patients, and four to eight (mean 6.8 +/- 1.6) in NR patients, a difference that is not significant. Moreover, there were no amino acid substitutions or sites of substitution in NS5A1865-2279 that were specific to either group. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of IFN therapy for GBV-C/HGV is strongly related to the pretreatment GBV-C/HGV-RNA level, but is not related to changes in NS5A1865-2279.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Amino Acid Substitution
- Female
- Flaviviridae/genetics
- Flaviviridae/isolation & purification
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/complications
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/complications
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/drug therapy
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/virology
- Humans
- Interferon-alpha/therapeutic use
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- RNA, Viral/analysis
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Treatment Outcome
- Viral Nonstructural Proteins/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Fujisawa
- The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Ehime University School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ohshima S, Komatsu M, Nakane K, Meng XW, Goto T, Fujii T, Yoneyama K, Wada Y, Tobori F, Mukaide M, Masamune O, Watanabe S. Iatrogenic GB virus C/hepatitis G virus infection in an area endemic for hepatitis C virus. J Hosp Infect 2000; 44:179-85. [PMID: 10706800 DOI: 10.1053/jhin.1999.0694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) is reported to be transmitted by blood products. This study reports infection with GBV-C/HGV from Area-O of town T, an area of high prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). Four hundred and thirty-five inhabitants of Area-O in town T were examined. Three hundred and forty-three inhabitants of Area-H in town T (where differences of age or sex are not markedly different to Area-O) were studied as controls. We investigated the virus markers and conducted a survey of life history in both areas. The seroprevalence of anti-HCV and GBV-C/HGV markers in Area-O was 17.7% and 11.7%, significantly higher than in Area-H (1.5% and 4.4%). The prevalence of GBV-C/HGV markers was significantly higher in the anti-HCV-positive group than in the sero-negative group. Anti-HCV- or GBV-C/HGV positive subjects tended to have a history of intravenous medications at hospital C in town T, suggesting iatrogenic infection through insufficient sterilization of needles and/or syringes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Ohshima
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Akita University School of Medicine, Akita, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Handajani R, Lusida MI, Suryohudoyo P, Adi P, Setiawan PB, Nidom CA, Soemarto R, Katayama Y, Fujii M, Hotta H. Prevalence of GB virus C/Hepatitis G virus infection among various populations in Surabaya, Indonesia, and identification of novel groups of sequence variants. J Clin Microbiol 2000; 38:662-8. [PMID: 10655364 PMCID: PMC86171 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.38.2.662-668.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A molecular epidemiological study was performed to investigate the prevalence of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) infection among various populations in Surabaya, Indonesia. The prevalence of GBV-C/HGV RNA, determined by reverse transcription-PCR for a portion of the NS3 region of the viral genome, was 2.7% (4 of 150) among randomly collected blood donor sera, which were all negative for both hepatitis B virus surface antigen and antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV). On the other hand, the prevalence among anti-HCV-positive blood donors was 17.8% (13 of 73), with the ratio being significantly higher than that observed with the anti-HCV-negative blood donors (P < 0.001). A high prevalence of GBV-C/HGV infection was also observed among patients with chronic liver disease, such as chronic hepatitis (5.7%), liver cirrhosis (11. 5%), and hepatocellular carcinoma (7.0%), and patients on maintenance hemodialysis (29.0%). No correlation was observed between GBV-C/HGV viremia and serum alanine aminotransferase levels in the populations tested, suggesting the possibility that GBV-C/HGV does not cause apparent liver injury. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of a portion of the 5' untranslated region and the E1 region of the viral genome identified, in addition to a previously reported then novel group of GBV-C/HGV variants (group 4), another novel group of variants (group 5). This result suggests that GBV-C/HGV can be classified into at least five genetic groups. GBV-C/HGV isolates of group 4 and group 5 were each shown to comprise approximately 40% of the total Indonesian isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Handajani
- Departments of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Naito H, Hayashi S, Abe K. The entire nucleotide sequence of two hepatitis G virus isolates belonging to a novel genotype: isolation in Myanmar and Vietnam. J Gen Virol 2000; 81:189-94. [PMID: 10640557 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-81-1-189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel genotype of hepatitis G virus (HGV) was recently identified in sera of subjects from countries in South-East Asia. These isolates were recovered from serum of Myanmarese (designated HGV-MY14) and Vietnamese (designated HGV-VT48) subjects, respectively. To characterize the viral genome in more detail, the full-length nucleotide sequence of the two different HGV isolates belonging to the novel genotype was cloned. Both HGV isolates were composed of 9228 nt and had a single open reading frame spanning 8529 nt and encoding 2843 aa residues. The isolates differed from previously reported HGV/GBV-C isolates types 1 to 3 by 13-15% (nucleotide sequence) and 4-6% (amino acid sequence). The putative core region of both isolates was not clearly identifiable as it consisted of only 16 aa residues. Based on phylogenetic analysis of full-length genome sequences and 5'-UTR sequences, HGV-MY14 and HGV-VT48 isolates can be classified as a novel genotype, designated type 4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Naito
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Robaczewska M, Cova L, Podhajska AJ, Falkiewicz B. Hepatitis G virus: molecular organization, methods of detection, prevalence, and disease association. Int J Infect Dis 1999; 3:220-33. [PMID: 10575154 DOI: 10.1016/s1201-9712(99)90030-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews data on hepatitis G virus (HGV) prevalence and possible disease associations in various groups of patients. An important fraction of acute or chronic hepatitis cases probably have a viral etiology and are not attributable to known hepatitis viruses. Therefore, researchers continually are looking for new hepatitis viruses. Among the agents found are members of GB hepatitis viruses, including GB-C virus, or HGV. This review presents the history of the discovery of HGV, its molecular biology and some methods of detection; results of clinical and molecular studies of HGV infection also are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Robaczewska
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lodi G, Carrassi A, Scully C, Porter SR. Hepatitis G virus: relevance to oral health care. ORAL SURGERY, ORAL MEDICINE, ORAL PATHOLOGY, ORAL RADIOLOGY, AND ENDODONTICS 1999; 88:568-72. [PMID: 10556751 DOI: 10.1016/s1079-2104(99)70087-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the current literature on the hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection, with particular attention to the aspects of interest for the dental staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS The authors searched for original research and review articles on specific aspects of the HGV infection including virology, epidemiology, transmission, natural history, and dental zaspects of HGV infection. The relevant articles were evaluated and reviewed. RESULTS HGV is a parenterally transmitted RNA virus that may cause acute, chronic, and fulminant liver disease; however, the real pathogenic potential of this virus and its possible effect on other hepatitic infections is still to be clarified. Preliminary studies have failed to demonstrate strong relationships between HGV infection and any oral disease. At present, data on the prevalence of HGV infection among health care workers are scarce. Nevertheless, in view of the potential transmission rates of HGV and the lack of effective immunization, HGV should be regarded as a potential occupational hazard for medical and dental staff. CONCLUSION Many virological, medical, and oral aspects of HGV infection need to be further investigated; nevertheless, until related data are available, HGV should be considered to be an infection that may be transmitted during dental care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Lodi
- Department of Oral Medicine, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University College London, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
|
24
|
Konomi N, Miyoshi C, La Fuente Zerain C, Li TC, Arakawa Y, Abe K. Epidemiology of hepatitis B, C, E, and G virus infections and molecular analysis of hepatitis G virus isolates in Bolivia. J Clin Microbiol 1999; 37:3291-5. [PMID: 10488194 PMCID: PMC85549 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.37.10.3291-3295.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Konomi
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yuan JM, Govindarajan S, Ross RK, Yu MC. Chronic infection with hepatitis G virus in relation to hepatocellular carcinoma among non-Asians in Los Angeles County, California. Cancer 1999; 86:936-43. [PMID: 10491518 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19990915)86:6<936::aid-cncr7>3.0.co;2-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently identified hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a hepatotropic RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. The virus causes chronic viremia, and exposure to blood products is a recognized route of transmission in humans. To the authors' knowledge there is scant information regarding the hepatocarcinogenic potential of HGV. The current study examined the association between HGV infection and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS A population-based, case-control study involving 144 non-Asian patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were ages 18-74 years at diagnosis and 252 community controls of similar age, gender, and race was conducted in Los Angeles, California. Study subjects were assessed for serologic markers of infections with the hepatitis B virus (hepatitis B surface antigen, antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen, and antibody to the hepatitis B surface antigen), hepatitis C virus (HCV) (anti-HCV and HCV RNA), and HGV (HGV RNA). RESULTS Twelve of the 144 hepatocellular carcinoma patients (8.3%) and 5 of the 252 control subjects (2.0%) were positive for serum HGV RNA. The presence of HGV RNA in the serum was associated with a statistically significant 5.4-fold risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (95% confidence limit, 1.8, 16.6). The excess risk for hepatocellular carcinoma among HGV-infected individuals was independent of the effects of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections. CONCLUSIONS Chronic infection with HGV may play a role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. If the observed statistical association is a causal one, then infection with HGV may account for approximately 8% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases occurring in non-Asians in Los Angeles, California.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M Yuan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033-0800, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wong SB, Chan SH, Ren EC. Diversity of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus isolates in Singapore: predominance of group 2a and the Asian group 3 variant. J Med Virol 1999; 58:145-53. [PMID: 10335862 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(199906)58:2<145::aid-jmv8>3.0.co;2-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of GBV-C/HGV infection was studied in 160 individuals from two high-risk groups in Singapore. RT-PCR of the 5'-UTR detected GBV-C/HGV RNA in 3/73 (4.1%) of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for chronic renal failure, and in 17/87 (19.5%) of patients coinfected with HCV who tested positive for HCV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis of 5'-UTR sequences from these 20 samples showed that the Asian or group 3 variant was found in 45% of the samples sequenced, thus confirming the high frequency of this variant in the region. Group 2a variants accounted for 50% of the samples with a complete absence of group 2b. Our analysis also provided strong bootstrap support for the subdivision of group 2 into subgroups 2a and 2b. This study shows that isolates belonging to all three main groups of GBV-C/ HGV can be detected in Singapore, with the large majority belonging to groups 2a (50%) and 3 (45%). Only a single group 1-like sequence was detected within the 20 isolates. Of interest also is that all group 3 isolates were identified in Chinese patients while group 2a was found in both Chinese and Malay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S B Wong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Löve
- Department of Medical Virology, National University Hospital, Armúli 1a, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Takata Y, Tateishi A, Kurokawa H, Fujikawa M, Matsumura K, Wakisaka M, Fukuda J, Kajiyama M. Hepatitis G virus infection in a high-risk subgroup of hospitalized dental patients. ORAL SURGERY, ORAL MEDICINE, ORAL PATHOLOGY, ORAL RADIOLOGY, AND ENDODONTICS 1999; 87:442-5. [PMID: 10225626 DOI: 10.1016/s1079-2104(99)70243-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of hepatitis G virus infection was evaluated in dental patients whose clinical laboratory test results were positive for hepatitis C virus antibody, hepatitis B virus surface antigen, or elevated serum alanine transaminase concentrations. STUDY DESIGN Frozen serum samples from patients with hepatitis C virus antibody (n = 63), hepatitis B virus surface antigen (n = 20), or alanine transaminase concentrations greater than 100 IU (n = 14) were assessed for GB virus C (GBV-C)/hepatitis G virus RNA by a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Six of 63 patients with hepatitis C virus antibodies had serum hepatitis G virus RNA (9.5%), and 2 of 20 subjects with hepatitis B virus surface antigen had hepatitis G virus RNA (10.0%). None of 14 patients whose alanine transaminase concentration was greater than 100 IU/L had hepatitis G virus RNA. Of 4 subjects with both hepatitis C virus antibody and hepatitis B virus surface antigen, 2 had hepatitis G virus RNA (50%). In the total study population (N = 92), 6 subjects (6.5%) had hepatitis G virus RNA. All hepatitis G virus-infected patients also had hepatitis C virus antibody. Neither serum alanine transaminase nor aspartate transaminase concentrations were different between subjects with and subjects without hepatitis G virus RNA. The lack of a relationship between hepatitis G virus infection and elevation of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase might suggest that this virus is not truly a hepatitis virus. CONCLUSIONS Hospitalized dental patients are infected with hepatitis G virus at a prevalence similar to or slightly higher than that seen in the general population. Dentists should pay close attention to infection control with respect to the potential new hepatitis virus known as hepatitis G virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Takata
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kobayashi M, Chayama K, Arase Y, Kobayashi M, Tsubota A, Suzuki Y, Koida I, Saitoh S, Murashima N, Ikeda K, Koike H, Hashimoto M, Kobayashi M, Kumada H. Prevalence of TT virus before and after blood transfusion in patients with chronic liver disease treated surgically for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1999; 14:358-63. [PMID: 10207786 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.1999.01860.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the prevalence of TT virus (TTV) before and after blood transfusion, we retrospectively examined serum samples obtained from 55 patients who received blood transfusions before, during and after resection of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS TT virus DNA was extracted from serum samples and detected by nested polymerase chain reaction. Before transfusion, seven (12.7%) were positive for TTV. Patients were transfused whole blood or separated blood components (fresh frozen plasma, platelet and/or red blood cells), the total amount of transfused fresh frozen plasma ranging from 12 to 271 (median 38) units. RESULTS Seven (14.6%) of the 48 TTV-negative patients became positive for TTV-DNA 1 month after transfusion. Only one of the seven patients, who was already positive for HCV-RNA, exhibited elevation of alanine aminotransferase. Five of the newly infected seven patients become negative for TTV during a 2 year follow up. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the proportion of patients with TTV was relatively high in this sample, and that the prevalence of TTV transmission by blood components was also relatively high (14.6%). Although TTV persisted for more than 6 months in some patients, infection was not noticeable during the course of chronic liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tagger A, Ribero ML, Larghi A, Donato F, Zuin M, Chiesa R, Benetti G, Ramella G, Borzio M, Podda M. Prevalence of GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus infection in patients with cryptogenic chronic liver disease and in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis or Wilson's disease. Am J Gastroenterol 1999; 94:484-8. [PMID: 10022651 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.1999.882_k.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the role of hepatitis G virus (HGV) in cryptogenic chronic liver disease (CLD), we investigated the prevalence of HGV RNA among patients with cryptogenic CLD, patients with nonviral CLD (primary biliary cirrhosis [PBC] and Wilson's disease [WD]) and subjects without clinically evident liver disease (controls). METHODS Ninety patients with cryptogenic CLD (43 with chronic hepatitis, 20 with cirrhosis, and 27 with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]), 143 patients with PBC, 22 patients with WD, and 134 controls were recruited. HGV RNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antibodies against HGV E2 protein (anti-E2) by an immunoassay test. RESULTS HGV RNA was detected in 7.8% of patients with cryptogenic CLD (chronic hepatitis, 9.3%; cirrhosis, 5.0%; HCC, 7.4%), in 2.4% of patients with PBC or WD, and in 2.2% of controls. As a consequence, a positive association of HGV infection with cryptogenic CLD was found (odds ratio, 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-9.7; p = 0.05). No difference was observed between HGV RNA-positive and -negative patients by age, sex, histology, or liver function tests. Anti-E2 prevalence did not differ between patients with cryptogenic CLD (26.5%), patients with PBC (28.1%), and controls (22.1%). Transfusion history was associated with HGV RNA but not with anti-E2 seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS Although an association was found between cryptogenic CLD and HGV infection, the role of the virus seems far from important, the proportion of cryptogenic CLD attributable to it being only 5.2%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Tagger
- Institute of Virology, University of Milano, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Goto K, Sugiyama K, Li R, Miyake Y, Ando T, Mizutani F, Terabe K, Mizuno K, Wada Y. Prevalence of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus ribonucleic acid and anti-hepatitis G virus-E2 antibodies among Japanese children with histories of transfusions or with liver diseases. Pediatr Res 1999; 45:128-32. [PMID: 9890620 DOI: 10.1203/00006450-199901000-00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
To clarify the prevalence of Japanese children thought to be at a risk for infection with GB virus-C (GBV-C)/hepatitis G virus (HGV), we investigated the detection rates of serum GBV-C/ HGV ribonucleic acid (RNA) by reverse transcription-seminested PCR and serum anti-HGV-E2 antibody by ELISA in 162 children with histories of blood or plasma product transfusions or with liver diseases and performed phylogenetic analysis of the 5' noncoding region sequences of GBV-C/HGV genomes. Children with histories of transfusions were divided into those who had been treated with antineoplastic agents for malignant diseases (malignant group) and those who had received transfusions for nonmalignant diseases (nonmalignant group). Children with liver diseases were divided into hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and non-A-C hepatitis groups. We detected GBV-C/ HGV RNA in 11 of 33 (33.3%) and anti-HGV-E2 in 1 of 27 (3.7%) children in the malignant group and in 3 of 56 (5.4%) and 1 of 53 (1.9%) children, respectively, in the nonmalignant group. Neither GBV-C/HGV RNA nor anti-HGV-E2 was detected in the HBV and non-A-C hepatitis groups. GBV-C/HGV RNA and anti-HGV-E2 were detected in 7 of 23 (30.4%) and in 1 of 18 (5.6%) children, respectively, in the HCV group. All children positive for either GBV-C/HGV RNA or anti-HGV-E2, except one whose route of GBV-C/HGV infection suggested mother-to-infant transmission, had histories of transfusions. The phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates in this study were divisible into three groups and that most of them were clustered into group 3 (Asian group).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Goto
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya City University Medical School, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Kennedy N, Tong CY, Beeching NJ, Lamden K, Williams H, Mutton KJ, Hart CA. Hepatitis G virus infection in drug users in Liverpool. J Infect 1998; 37:140-7. [PMID: 9821088 DOI: 10.1016/s0163-4453(98)80168-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To establish the prevalence of hepatitis G (HGV) in drug users in Liverpool; to explore the risk factors for, and the effects of, HGV infection. METHODS Serum samples from 129 drug users who had attended the Infectious Diseases Unit at Fazakerley Hospital, Liverpool, between January 1995 and June 1996 were examined for HGV RNA using PCR, HGV RNA results were collated with demographic data, information on drug-use behaviour, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) serology, and the results of serum bilirubin and aspartate amino-transferase (AST) measurements. RESULTS Overall, 37 (29%) of patients were HGV RNA positive, 89 (69%) were negative, and equivocal results were obtained in three (2%) cases. Direct sequencing of PCR products of the 5' non-translated region for 13 patients showed that these were generally more closely related to the HGV than the GB virus C (GBV-C) sequence. HGV co-infection with HCV and HBV was common: of HGV-positive patients, 28 (76%) and 16 (44%) had antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and hepatitis B core protein (anti-HBc), respectively. Increasing duration of injecting drug use was associated with a decreasing seroprevalence of HGV RNA, dropping from 39% for 0-4 years of injecting to 14% for > 12 years injecting. Serum bilirubin and AST values were frequently elevated, but statistical analysis showed no differences between HGV-positive and HGV-negative patient groups. CONCLUSIONS HGV infection is common in drug users in Liverpool, but HGV RNA prevalence falls with increasing duration of injecting drug use, probably as a result of viral clearance and the development of protective immunity. HGV infection does not appear to be a significant cause of hepatic dysfunction in Liverpool drug users.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Base Sequence
- Blood-Borne Pathogens
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- DNA, Viral/isolation & purification
- England/epidemiology
- Female
- Flaviviridae/genetics
- Flaviviridae/isolation & purification
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/epidemiology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/etiology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/transmission
- Humans
- Liver Function Tests
- Male
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Prevalence
- RNA, Viral/isolation & purification
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Substance Abuse, Intravenous/complications
- Substance Abuse, Intravenous/virology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Kennedy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fazakerley Hospital, U.K
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Minton J, Iqbal A, Eskiturk A, Irving W, Davies J. Hepatitis G virus infection in lymphoma and in blood donors. J Clin Pathol 1998; 51:676-8. [PMID: 9930072 PMCID: PMC500905 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.51.9.676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To determine whether the recently described flavivirus, hepatitis G virus (HGV), might contribute to the pathogenesis of lymphoma by testing for the presence of HGV RNA in sera from patients attending lymphoma clinics; to compare the incidence of HGV RNA in lymphoma patients with that in normal blood donors; and to look for potential risk factors for HGV infection and for evidence of hepatic disease in the HGV positive patients. METHODS Sera were examined from 76 patients with lymphoma and 100 blood donors for the presence of HGV RNA using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS HGV RNA was detected in 10% of patients' sera, but only in 1% of blood donor samples. HGV infection was found in patients with various different types of lymphoma, including Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The majority (75%) of patients who were HGV PCR positive had undergone transfusion, but only 30% of those who were HGV PCR negative had received blood products. In addition, the number of donor exposures per HGV positive patient was approximately twice that of the HGV negative group. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest (1) that HGV is present in the normal blood donor population; (2) that patients with lymphoma are at risk of acquiring HGV because of their exposure to blood products; and (3) that persistent HGV infection does not appear to cause serious liver disease in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Minton
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Sugiyama K, Goto K, Miyake Y, Mizutani F, Terabe K, Li R, Wada Y, Kajiura S. Prevalence of GBV-C/HGV infection in pregnant Japanese women. ACTA PAEDIATRICA JAPONICA : OVERSEAS EDITION 1998; 40:385-6. [PMID: 9745788 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200x.1998.tb01955.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a novel viral agent, hepatitis G virus, was identified by independent researchers from the serum of patients with liver disease, and termed GBV-C or HGV. At present, GBV-C and HGV are considered to be separate isolates of the same virus; however, the role of this virus in acute and chronic liver disease remains uncertain. Although vertical transmission is known to be one of the routes of transmission, the prevalence of GBV-C/HGV viremia in pregnant Japanese women is unknown. Thus, we determined this prevalence using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Sugiyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya City University Medical School, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Fukuda Y, Nakano I, Katano Y, Toyoda H, Imoto M, Takamatsu J, Saito H, Hayakawa T. Assessment and treatment of liver disease in Japanese haemophilia patients. Haemophilia 1998; 4:595-600. [PMID: 9873800 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2516.1998.440595.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We studied the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and GB virus C or hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV), and characteristics of infections in Japanese haemophilia patients. Haemophilia patients were highly infected with HCV (88.2%) because of frequent use of unheated blood concentrates. Analysis for HCV genotypes revealed characteristics of HCV infection in haemophilia patients. Japanese haemophilia patients were highly infected with rare genotypes in Japan: genotype 1a (26.5%), genotype 3 (14.5%) and genotype 4 (2.4%). HIV infection was observed in 32.3% of haemophilia patients. HCV quasispecies (clones) and direct sequencing were investigated in patients with a single HCV genotype in the hypervariable region 1 of HCV, which resulted in a high degree of diversity. This indicates that even a single genotype of HCV might have multiple origins. GBV-C/HGV infection was noted in 20.9% of Japanese haemophilia patients. Over 40 haemophilia patients with chronic hepatitis C have been treated with interferon alpha for 6 months at total doses of 480-720 million units. About 38% showed clearance of HCV RNA from serum. Six patients with HIV infection were included in the study and they did not show eradication of HCV from the serum. This might derive from that they had high serum HCV RNA titers and genotype 1a or 1b. Histologic assessment was performed in 36 haemophilia patients with HCV. No case showed a histologically normal liver. Hepatic fibrosis in the biopsy specimens was classified into five stages of fibrosis and compared with serum hepatic fibrosis markers. Serum hyaluronic acid mostly correlated with hepatic fibrosis (r = 0.78, P < 0.0001) followed by type IV collagen (r = 0.38, P < 0.05). This suggests that estimation of serum fibrosis markers might be substituted for liver biopsy in haemophilia patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Fukuda
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Casteling A, Song E, Sim J, Blaauw D, Heyns A, Schweizer R, Margolius L, Kuun E, Field S, Schoub B, Vardas E. GB virus C prevalence in blood donors and high risk groups for parenterally transmitted agents from Gauteng, South Africa. J Med Virol 1998; 55:103-8. [PMID: 9598929 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(199806)55:2<103::aid-jmv4>3.0.co;2-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of GBV-C infection in voluntary blood donors and in groups at high risk for parenteral exposure to infectious agents was studied. The high risk groups included chronic renal failure patients on haemodialysis, renal transplant patients and haemophiliacs from Gauteng. The presence of GBV-C RNA in these populations was determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the 5' non-coding region (NCR) of the virus. Of the blood donors, 11.1% (95% CI 7.6, 15.8) were positive, whereas 23.8% (95% CI 12.6, 40.2) of haemodialysis patients and 23.5% (95% CI 15.9, 33.3) of the haemophiliacs were infected with GBV-C. The highest proportion of infection was in the renal transplant patients, where 41.2% (95% CI 35.1, 47.7) were found to have circulating GBV-C RNA. Serological markers for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C viruses (HCV) were also measured as indicators of other hepatitis viruses with important parenteral transmission routes. Of the GBV-C positive blood donors, 3.6% were also HBsAg positive and none were positive for HCV. The GBV-C positive patients on haemodialysis were not positive for either HBsAg or antibodies to HCV, but had evidence of past infection with HBV since 40% were anti-HBc positive. The greatest proportion of HCV positives was in the haemophiliac group, 91.3%, none of these were HBsAg positive but 39.1% had anti-HBc. In the GBV-C positive renal transplant patients, 4% had HBsAg, 13.3% had anti-HBc and 2.1% had antibodies to HCV. This is the first report describing the prevalence of GBV-C in South African populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Casteling
- National Institute for Virology, University of the Witwatersrand, Department of Virology, Sandringham, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mphahlele MJ, Lau GK, Carman WF. HGV: the identification, biology and prevalence of an orphan virus. LIVER 1998; 18:143-55. [PMID: 9716223 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0676.1998.tb00142.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis G virus (HGV) and GB virus C (GBV-C) (both hereinafter referred to as HGV) were independently identified in patients with hepatitis of unknown aetiology. HGV is a positive-sense RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae. The virus can establish both acute and chronic infection and appears to be sensitive to interferon. Horizontal transmission is mainly parenteral, although other routes such as vertical have been well documented. High risk groups include intravenous drug users (i.v.DUs), the multiply transfused, haemodialysis patients and haemophiliacs. Up to 90% of i.v.DUs are positive for either HGV-RNA or antibodies to HGV envelope-2 protein (anti-E2). HGV is frequently detected in patients with HBV and HCV infection. Its link to hepatitis has now become less certain. Only around 3-6% of non-A E hepatitis cases are HGV viraemic, clearly showing that HGV is not the major cause of idiopathic hepatitis as originally hoped. Around 1-5% of volunteer blood donors in developed countries are HGV viraemic, but the prevalence is 10-20% in the general population in some developing countries. At present, it is not known whether HGV is associated with other diseases in humans, is a passenger virus, or only becomes virulent under certain conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Mphahlele
- Department of Virology, Medical University of Southern Africa, Gauteng
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Tanaka E, Kiyosawa K, Shimoda K, Hino K, Tacke M, Schmolke S, Engel AM, Hess G. Evolution of hepatitis G virus infection and antibody response to envelope protein in patients with transfusion-associated non-A, non-B hepatitis. J Viral Hepat 1998; 5:153-9. [PMID: 9658367 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2893.1998.00095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The clinical significance and course of acute hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection were studied by measuring HGV RNA and antibody to HGV envelope protein E2 (HGV-E2 antibody). A total of 59 patients with transfusion-associated non-A, non-B hepatitis, who were followed-up for more than 1 year, were selected retrospectively. HGV RNA was measured by reverse transcriptase (RT) and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed, using primer sets, in the 5'-non-coding region of the HGV genome. HGV-E2 antibody was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant E2 protein. Of the 59 patients, 51 (86%) were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 12 (20%) were infected with HGV; 11 of the 12 with HGV infection were also infected with HCV. HGV viraemia was cleared during the follow-up period in seven of the 12 patients with HGV infection. All these seven patients seroconverted for HGV-E2 antibody just before or just after the clearance of HGV viraemia. In contrast, all five patients without clearance of HGV viraemia were negative for HGV-E2 antibody (P = 0.0013). Of seven patients with continuous HGV viraemia at 1 year from the onset of acute hepatitis, four with HCV RNA showed chronic elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) but three without HCV RNA did not. The severity of acute hepatitis was similar between patients with both HGV and HCV infections and in those with HCV infection alone. The majority of patients with HGV infection cleared the virus during long-term follow-up. Appearance of HGV-E2 antibody was associated with the clearance of HGV viraemia. An abnormal ALT level was noted to depend on HCV infection but not on HGV infection in both the acute and chronic phases of transfusion-associated hepatitis.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Acute Disease
- Adult
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Female
- Flaviviridae/genetics
- Flaviviridae/immunology
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hepacivirus
- Hepatitis Antibodies/blood
- Hepatitis Antibodies/immunology
- Hepatitis C/physiopathology
- Hepatitis C Antibodies/blood
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/blood
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/epidemiology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/immunology
- Hepatitis, Viral, Human/physiopathology
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prevalence
- RNA, Viral/blood
- Transfusion Reaction
- Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Tanaka
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sobue S, Higashi K, Nakao H, Takahashi Y, Itoh M, Nakajima K. Hepatitis G virus infection in patients with alcoholic liver disease. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 1998; 22:156S-160S. [PMID: 9622395 DOI: 10.1111/acer.1998.22.s3_part1.156s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The recently discovered hepatitis G virus (HGV) is believed to be a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, similar to hepatitis C virus (HCV), but much remains to be learned about its characteristics and clinical manifestations. Although it has been suggested that alcohol intake might have an effect on liver pathology by promoting the proliferation of HCV, the association between HGV infection and alcohol intake is yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of HGV-RNA and HCV-RNA in 63 patients with alcoholic liver disease, and studied the effects of alcohol on the progression of hepatic damage in HGV-RNA positive patients. Among these 63 patients, 9 (14%) were HGV-RNA-positive and 37 (59%) were HCV-RNA-positive. Seven (78%) of the nine HGV-RNA positive patients were also infected with HCV. The patients showed no significant differences of clinical features in relation to the presence or absence of HGV infection. There were also no differences of liver histology among HCV-RNA-positive patients with or without HGV-RNA. The two patients infected with HGV alone had alcoholic hepatitis and nonspecific reactive hepatitis, respectively. In this study, alcohol seemed to have little influence on the progression of the liver histology in HGV-RNA-positive patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Sobue
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kakumu S, Sato K, Morishita T, Anh TK, Binh NH, Dien BV, Chinh DH, Phuc NH, Van Thinh N, Trinh LT, Yamamoto N, Nakao H, Isomura S. Prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and GB virus C/hepatitis G virus infections in liver disease patients and inhabitants in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. J Med Virol 1998. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(199804)54:4<243::aid-jmv2>3.0.co;2-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
41
|
Tanaka Y, Mizokami M, Orito E, Ohba K, Kato T, Kondo Y, Mboudjeka I, Zekeng L, Kaptue L, Bikandou B, M'Pele P, Takehisa J, Hayami M, Suzuki Y, Gojobori T. African origin of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus. FEBS Lett 1998; 423:143-8. [PMID: 9512347 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)00083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ninety-four GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/ HGV) RNA-positive serum samples were obtained from all over the world. We found that all 15 GBV-C/HGV isolates from the Pygmies and the Bantu in the Central African region had a 12-amino acid indel (i.e. insertion or deletion) in the non-structural protein (NS) 5A region. Phylogenetic analyses of the NS5A region, using GBV-A as an outgroup, showed that these 15 isolates had diverged from the common ancestor much earlier than the remaining isolates, indicating an African origin of GBV-C/HGV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Tanaka
- Second Department of Medicine, Nagoya City University Medical School, Kawasumi, Mizuho, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zhelezova GZ, Karaivanova LA. GB virus C/hepatitis G virus--- is it a novel human 'hepatitis' virus? Clin Microbiol Infect 1998; 4:677-681. [PMID: 11864274 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.1998.tb00651.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
43
|
Tanaka E, Tacke M, Kobayashi M, Nakatsuji Y, Kiyosawa K, Schmolke S, Engel AM, Hess G, Alter HJ. Past and present hepatitis G virus infections in areas where hepatitis C is highly endemic and those where it is not endemic. J Clin Microbiol 1998; 36:110-4. [PMID: 9431931 PMCID: PMC124818 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.36.1.110-114.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/1997] [Accepted: 10/08/1997] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We reported previously on an area in Japan where over 30% of the inhabitants were positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody. In the present study, clinical features of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection in this area of high endemicity were compared to those in an area where HCV is not endemic. A total of 400 individuals were selected randomly from those who were medically screened for liver disease in 1993; 200 were from the high-endemicity area, and the other 200 were from the no-endemicity area. HGV RNA was measured by reverse transcription and PCR with primers in the 5' noncoding region. Antibody to HGV envelope protein E2 was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Prevalence of any HGV marker in the high-endemicity area (32%) was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than that in the no-endemicity area (6%); similar differences, 32% versus 3% (P < 0.0001), had been observed for HCV markers (HCV RNA and HCV antibody). In areas of both high and no endemicity, HCV markers were significantly more prevalent in individuals with any HGV marker than in those without HGV markers, and age-specific prevalence of HGV markers was distributed similarly to that of any HCV marker. Among possible routes of HGV transmission that were analyzed, folk medicine was significant in the high-endemicity area, but blood transfusion was the major route in the no-endemicity area. The rate of accompanying viremia in HGV infection (15%) was significantly lower than that in HCV infection (78%) (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, HGV infection was highly prevalent in the area of high HCV endemicity and was closely associated with HCV infection. HGV seemed to be transmitted via the practice of folk medicine as well as blood transfusion. HGV resulted in a chronic carrier state less frequently than did HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Tanaka
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Diamantis ID, Kouroumalis E, Koulentaki M, Fasler-Kan E, Schmid PA, Hirsch HH, Bühler H, Gyr K, Battegay M. Influence of hepatitis G virus infection on liver disease. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 1997; 16:916-9. [PMID: 9495673 DOI: 10.1007/bf01700559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The influence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection on disease activity in hepatitis C related and unrelated liver disease was investigated in 254 individuals using an EIA polymerase chain reaction assay for HGV. One hundred patients had chronic hepatitis C, 26 primary biliary cirrhosis, and 30 alcoholic liver cirrhosis. In addition, 51 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and 47 anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive blood donors were screened. Hepatitis G virus was detected in 18% of patients with chronic hepatitis C, 13% of patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, 11% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, 10% of anti-HCV-positive blood donors, and 2% of HBsAg-positive blood donors. Virus load and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels did not differ significantly in patients with HCV alone versus patients coinfected with HCV and HGV. However, mild liver fibrosis correlated with HGV coinfection. Hepatitis G virus did not influence ALT levels or liver damage in liver disease unrelated to viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I D Diamantis
- Outpatient Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Ideura T, Tanaka E, Nakatsuji Y, Kobayashi M, Kanno Y, Oguchi H, Hora K. Clinical significance of hepatitis G virus infection in patients on long-term haemodialysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1997; 12:762-5. [PMID: 9430044 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.1997.tb00367.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Infection with the newly discovered hepatitis G virus (HGV) was analysed in 163 patients on long-term haemodialysis to clarify its prevalence and clinical significance. Hepatitis G virus RNA in serum was measured by polymerase chain reaction with primers corresponding to the putative non-structural 5' region. Of the 163 patients, three (1.8%) were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, 40 (24.5%) were positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA and 16 (9.8%) were positive for HGV-RNA. Five of the 16 patients with HGV-RNA were also positive for HCV-RNA. Patients with HCV and HGV coinfection had undergone a longer duration of haemodialysis (P = 0.001) and had higher units of transfusion (P = 0.031) compared with those without hepatitis virus infection. Transfusion history was significantly higher (P = 0.039) in patients with only HGV infection than in those without hepatitis virus infection. Hepatitis C virus RNA concentration was higher (P = 0.032) in patients with HCV and HGV coinfection than in those with HCV infection only, but alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were similar between these two groups. In conclusion, about 10% of patients on haemodialysis were infected with HGV and the infection was closely associated with transfusion history.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Ideura
- Division of Artificial Kidney, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kobayashi T, Ishii M, Niitsuma H, Kikuchi K, Suzuki C, Gama H, Kobayashi K, Ueno Y, Toyota T. Genoepidemiology and pathogenicity of hepatitis G virus in Japan. TOHOKU J EXP MED 1997; 183:101-12. [PMID: 9526801 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.183.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A recently discovered non-A non-B hepatitis virus has been designated hepatitis G virus (HGV). Blood contamination has been proposed as its mode of transmission. We studied the genoprevalence of HGV in Japanese people at high risk. HGV was identified in serum by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. HGV was detected in 16.0% of intravenous drug users (IDUs) (n = 25), 16.2% of those with tattoos (n = 37), 10.9% of IDUs with tattoos (n = 55), 5.7% of chronic hepatitis (CH)-C patients (n = 87), and in none of the CH-B (n = 50) or CH non-B non-C (n = 46) patients. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of those infected with HGV alone (n = 3) were all within normal range. In the patients with CH-C, serum ALT levels of those coinfected with HGV were similar to serum ALT levels of those without HGV infection. A phylogenetic tree of isolated HGV clones showed that the HGVs of these subjects bore only a distant-resemblance to clones reported from Africa and North America, and that variation in the phylogenetic index of HGV clones was small. These results suggest that HGV clones from different areas have genetic heterogeneity and that HGV causes no or mild hepatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Kobayashi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kanda T, Yokosuka O, Imazeki F, Tagawa M, Ehata T, Saisho H, Omata M. GB virus-C RNA in Japanese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis. J Hepatol 1997; 27:464-9. [PMID: 9314122 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(97)80349-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The involvement of non-B, non-C virus in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not yet known. We have therefore examined the occurrence of GBV-C RNA in such patients. METHODS One hundred and eleven patients diagnosed as having HCC and 67 patients with cirrhosis without HCC were examined for the prevalence of GBV-C RNA by nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with primers located at the helicase region. Sera were obtained and kept at -20 degrees C until analysis. RESULTS GBV-C RNA was positive in 11/111 (9.9%) cases with HCC, in 10/74 (13.5%) anti-HCV positive cases, in 1/25 (4%) HBsAg positive cases, and in 0/8 (0%) anti-HCV and HBsAg negative cases. GBV-C RNA was also positive in 7/67 (10.4%) cases with cirrhosis, in only 1/18 (5.6%) anti-HCV and HBsAg negative cases, in 4/33 (12.1%) anti-HCV positive, and in 2/14 (14.3%) HBsAg positive cases. The clinical background of patients with anti-HCV positive HCC who were also positive for GBV-C RNA did not differ from the background of those negative for GBV-C RNA. CONCLUSIONS GBV-C is unlikely to be a major etiologic agent of non-B, non-C chronic liver diseases and HCC in Japan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Kanda
- First Department of Medicine, Chiba University School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Saito S, Tanaka K, Kondo M, Morita K, Kitamura T, Kiba T, Numata K, Sekihara H. Plus- and minus-stranded hepatitis G virus RNA in liver tissue and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1997; 237:288-91. [PMID: 9268702 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1997.7103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis G virus (HGV), which was recently identified, is a single, plus-stranded RNA virus that is thought to replicate via minus-stranded RNA, but no information is available about the distribution of either plus- (genomic) or minus- (replicative) stranded HGV RNAs in HGV infected patients. We, therefore, tested the serum, liver tissue, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of six hepatitis patients with HGV infection for the presence of plus- and minus-stranded HGV RNA. The RT-nested PCR was used with primers derived from 5'-noncoding region of the genome. Before RT-PCR analysis, the 3'-termini of RNA specimens were chemically modified to discriminate between plus- and minus-stranded HGV RNA. Plus-stranded HGV RNA was detected in the serum and liver tissue of all six patients and in the PBMCs of five patients. Minus-stranded RNA was detected in the liver tissue of all six patients, in the serum of two patients, and in the PBMCs of one patient. In summary, the detection of minus-stranded HGV RNA in liver tissue may indicate that HGV replicates in the liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Saito
- The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, 236, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|