High prevalence of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus genotype 3 among autochthonous Venezuelan populations

Abstract

GB virus C or hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/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. GBV-C/HGV RNA and antibodies against its envelope protein (anti-E2 Abs) were found in 3/86 (3%) and 7/89 (8%) of biomedical science personnel (BSP), in 31/453 (7%) and 37/200 (19%) of blood donors (BD), and in 6/64 (9%) and 26/59 (44%) of hemodialysis patients (HD) from Caracas, Venezuela. A significant gradient of GBV-C/HGV exposure (anti-E2 Abs and/or GBV-C/HGV RNA) was found between BSP (lowest prevalence), BD, and HD (P < 0.001). GBV-C/HGV RNA and anti-E2 Abs were also found in 2/69 (2.9%) and 2/44 (4.5%) of individuals from a rural community, in 9/162 (5.5%) and 2/40 (5%) of West Amerindians, and in 14/56 (25%) and 4/53 (7.5%) of South Amerindians. Socioeconomic and cultural factors may have contributed to the relatively high risk of exposure to GBV-C/HGV in BD and Amerindians. Whereas GBV-C/HGV genotypes 1 (n = 1), 2 (n = 6), and 3 (n = 22) were present in Venezuela, only the Asiatic genotype 3 was found infecting Amerindians and rural populations (n = 16). Genotype assignment based on the 5' noncoding region of the GBV- C/HGV genome was corroborated in some isolates by genetic analysis of the E2 region. This report confirms the circulation of the Asiatic genotype of GBV-C/HGV among Amerindians, suggesting an old origin of GBV-C/HGV. This might be associated with the apparently low pathogenesis of this virus.

Tropism of human pegivirus (formerly known as GB virus C/hepatitis G virus) and host immunomodulation: insights into a highly successful viral infection

“…Two examples of this are the finding of isolates in Southeast Asia (genotype 3) that are most closely related to those of African origin, consistent with a major route of ancient human migrations from Africa to southeastern parts of the Asian continent (Pavesi, 2001), and the finding of genotype 3 viruses in indigenous (native) populations of South Americans, with a mixture of the Western European and North American genotype 2 and genotype 3 viruses in mixed-race South American populations (Loureiro et al, 2002;Tanaka et al, 1998b).…”

HIV-1 and GBV-C co-infection in Venezuela

“…On the other hand, few studies have been conducted in Venezuela in relation to GBV-C; these studies indicate that the prevalence is relatively high among the general population in Venezuela, i.e., 7% active infection among blood donors, and particularly in Amerindians, where the Asian GBV-C genotype 3 circulates [15]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of GBV-C infection among HIV-1-infected patients in Venezuela, and to determine the effect of HIV-1 and GBV-C co-infection on the levels of relevant cytokines, which may provide clues to understand the mechanism by which GBV-C interferes with HIV-1 progression.…”

“…GBV-C active infection was determined by RT-PCR amplification of the NS5 region; genotype was determined by sequence analysis of the 5´non-coding region as previously described [15]. The sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers JX494176 to JX494226.…”

HEV, TTV and GBV-C/HGV markers in patients with acute viral hepatitis

“…These appear to be the most prevalent GBV-C/ HGV genotypes found in Africa, and North America and Europe, respectively. GBV-C/ HGV genotype 3 isolates are found in Asia and among native American Indians from Colombia and Venezuela (38,39). Perhaps this high prevalence of GBV-C/HGV genotypes 1 and 2 in our population may be explained by the fact that the population of Salvador mainly consists of African-Brazilians and of miscegenation of African-Brazilians and Whites (Mulattos), many of whom have a European and African ethnic background.…”