Detection of hepatitis GB virus type C RNA in serum and liver from children with chronic viral hepatitis B and C

Abstract

virus infects patients with chronic viral hepatitis, intraveThe aim of this work was to study the presence of the nous drug abusers, and organ or blood recipients. 2,4,5 To our hepatitis GB virus type C (HGBV-C) in liver and serum knowledge, the presence of HGBV-C RNA in children with samples of children with chronic viral hepatitis, the time chronic viral hepatitis has not yet been reported. course of changes in viral RNA, and the possible acquisi-We have retrospectively analyzed the presence of HGBVtion routes of infection. Frozen serum and liver samples C RNA in paired serum and liver samples from 58 children from 58 children with chronic hepatitis B (n Å 33) or C with chronic hepatitis B or C. We have also studied the time (n Å 25) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction.course of changes in serum HGBV-C RNA in both treated Twenty-seven children had been included in different and untreated children with chronic viral hepatitis as well interferon trials. Two additional serum samples from the as the possible routes of HGBV-C transmission in infected HGBV-C-positive children as well as serum samples from children. properly stored at 020ЊC (serum samples) or in liquid nitrogen (liver mother. In the 3 children receiving alpha-interferon, samples). The mean age of the children was 12.1 { 3.9 years (range: HGBV-C RNA became undetectable during treatment al-2-16 years). Forty-six of 58 children had had abnormal alanine amithough it reappeared in 2 of them after therapy. In con-notransferase (ALT) levels for at least 1 year before the study start clusion, we found that 15% of children with chronic viral ( 21. Twenty-seven children had been included in different interferon Studies of HGBV-C RNA prevalence have shown that this (IFN) trials; in these cases, the first sample analyzed corresponded to the baseline sample of the trial.In the HGBV-C RNA-positive children two additional serum samples, apart from the baseline sample, were analyzed. In the treated Abbreviations: HGBV-C, hepatitis GB virus type C; ALT, alanine aminotransferase; children, serum samples were taken at the end of treatment (range:anti-HBe, antibodies to hepatitis B e antigen; HCV, hepatitis C virus; HBV, hepatitis B 6-9 months) and follow-up period (range: 12-18 months after the virus; IFN, interferon; HBeAg, hepatitis B e antigen; RT-PCR, reverse transcription-nested end of treatment). In the untreated children, two additional serum polymerase chain reaction.samples taken 12 months and 18-30 months after the first sample infection.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis GB Virus Type C/Hepatitis G Virus in Spanish Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B or C Virus Infection

“…Total RNA from serum samples was isolated by the isothiocyanate method [12], and HGBV-C/HGV NS3/helicase and 5)-UTR were amplified by PCR as previously described [13]. PCR products of 273 bp (NS3/helicase) and 320 bp (5)-UTR) were purified from 1.5% agarose gels using the QIAquick Gel Extraction kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) and directly sequenced by the dideoxynucleotide chain termination method (Sequenase, USB, Cleveland, Ohio).…”

GBV-C/HGV infection in children with chronic hepatitis C

“…Although some studies have been conducted in children [Bortolotti et al, 1997;Chen et al, 1997;Chung et al, 1997;Lai et al, 1997;Lopez-Alcorocho et al, 1997;Mison et al, 1997;Szabo et al, 1998], little is known about the virological, serological, biochemical, and histological characteristics of GBV-C/HGV infection in children. In this retrospective study, we investigated the clinical, virological, and histological implications of a concomitant GBV-C/HGV infection in children with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease.…”

Prevalence and Genotypes of Hepatitis G Virus among Hemodialysis Patients in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey

“…The potential of HGV to cause hepatitis in humans is questionable. Controversial data exist concerning whether or not HGV replicates in the liver [3][4][5][6] . HGV is highly prevalent among population groups at risk of parenterally transmitted viral agents, but it has also a worldwide distribution in other non-risk population groups.…”