Prevalence of GBV-C/hepatitis G virus RNA and E2 antibody among subjects infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 after parenteral or sexualexposure

GB virus C (GBV-C) or hepatitis G virus (HGV) is transmitted by the parente ral route but the importance of sexual transmission needs to be ascertained . GBV-C/HGV infections were investigated using RNA and E2-antibody detectio n methods in 80 subjects infected by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) divided into 4 groups of 20 individuals each according to their m ain risk factor for HIV-1 infection: blood product recipients (group 1), in travenous drug users (group 2), homosexuals (group 3), or heterosexual expo sure (group 4). The overall prevalence of GBV-C/HGV infection was 66.3%. No significant difference was observed in GBV-C/ HGV prevalence among the fou r groups: 75, 75, 55, and 60% in groups 1,2, 3, and 4, respectively. Hepati tis C virus (HCV) antibodies, used as a control for parenteral exposure, we re found in 70% and 90% of the subjects in groups 1 and 2 versus only 15% a nd 20% of the subjects in groups 3 and 4, respectively(P < .001). Similarly , coinfections with GBV-C/HGV and HCV were significantly associated with th e parenteral route (P < .001). These data emphasized the usefulness of comb ining the detection of RNA and the E2 antibody to determine the actual prev alence of GBV-C/HGV infection. The high prevalence of the GBV-C/HGV markers among the HIV-1-infected subjects, especially those with sexual exposure, provides additional evidence that this route of transmission plays a key ro le in the epidemiology of GBV-C/HGV. The potential influence of GBV-C/HGV i nfection on the course of HIV-1 disease needs further evaluation. J. Med. V irol. 58:373-377, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.