INFLUENCE OF GB-VIRUS-C HEPATITIS-G VIRUS-INFECTION ON THE LONG-TERM COURSE OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS-B

Aims/Background: The clinical significance of GB virus-C/hepatitis G v irus (GBV-C/HGV) infection in chronic hepatitis B is not well known an d its role in the outcome of liver disease was investigated. Methods: HG-V-RNA and antibody to HGV (anti-E2) were studied in 125 patients wi th chronic hepatitis B (41 with multiple hepatitis virus exposure), 82 asymptomatic HBsAg carriers and 103 healthy adults. Results: In chron ic hepatitis B, HGV-RNA was more frequent in patients with HDV infecti on and/or anti-HCV positivity than in those without (29% vs 6%, p<0.00 01), mainly in drug addicts (38%), At diagnosis the overall prevalence of any marker (HGV-RNA plus anti-E2) was similar in chronic hepatitis due to HBV alone (17%), in HBsAg carriers (16%) and in healthy adults (17%) and increased to 58% in those exposed to HDV and/or HCV. During 1-11 years of follow-up, HGV infection persisted in 70% of patients w ith chronic hepatitis B. About 40% of HGV persistently coinfected pati ents underwent sustained biochemical remission? whereas continuing dis ease activity was observed in 80% of patients who cleared HGV-RNA. Con clusions: In chronic HBV infection the rate of exposure to HGV is simi lar to that in healthy adults, except for high risk patients. Long las ting HGV coinfection or anti-E2 seroconversion did not modify the cour se of chronic hepatitis B.