GB virus C hepatitis G virus groups and subgroups: Classification by a restriction fragment length polymorphism method based on phylogenetic analysisof the 5 ' untranslated region

A phylogenetic tree based on 150 5' untranslated region sequences deposited in GenBank database allowed segregation of the sequences into three major groups, including two subgroups, i.e., 1, 2a, 2b, and 3, supported by boots trap analysis, Restriction site analysis of these sequences predicted that HinfI and either AatII or AciI could be used for genomic typing with 99.4% accuracy. cDNA sequencing and subsequent alignment of 21 Argentine GB virus C/hepatitis G virus strains confirmed restriction fragment length polymorp hism patterns theoretically predicted. This method may be useful for a rapi d screening of samples when either epidemiological or transmission studies of this agent are carried out.