BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GB-VIRUS-C FROM HUMAN PLASMA

Viral characterization studies were carried out on GB virus C (GBV-C) RNA positive plasma from normal human donors and from donors co-infect ed with GBV-C and hepatitis C virus (HCV). GBV-C RNA was detected by r everse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and probe hybr idization in a single tube assay. Sequential filtration of GBV-C posit ive plasma indicated that GBV-C RNA is associated with a particle 50-1 00 nm in diameter. The peak of GBV-C RNA in sucrose gradients was obse rved at a buoyant density of 1.05-1.13 g/ml. GBV-C RNA titer was reduc ed following treatment with chloroform or with five detergents indicat ing that GBV-C has a lipid-containing envelope. Sucrose density gradie nts and self-forming cesium chloride gradients of detergent-treated GB V-C showed a shift in the RNA peak to heavier buoyant density only whe n RNase inhibitor (RNasin) and high detergent concentrations were pres ent. The treated material was non-filterable and the RNA had a density of > 1.5 gm/ml. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All right s reserved.