GBV-C/hepatitis G virus in acute nonA-E hepatitis and in acute hepatitis of defined aetiology in Italy

The role of GBV-C/HGV in the aetiology of acute non A-E hepatitis and its i mpact on the course of acute hepatitis of defined aetiology were investigat ed by detecting viral RNA by RT-PCR and antibody to the E2 protein of GB vi rus C (anti-E2) by EIA. Ninety-eight patients with acute nonA-E hepatitis, 35 patients with acute hepatitis A, 63 with acute hepatitis B, 29 with acut e hepatitis C and 270 controls were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of GBV-C/HGV RNA was similar among patients with acute nonA-E hepatitis (3. 1%), with acute hepatitis A (2.9%), and controls (3.7%), but significantly higher (P < 0.05) among those with hepatitis B or C (19.0% and 48.3%, respe ctively). Similar figures were obtained considering the total rate of GBV-C /HGV exposure (viral RNA or anti-E2 positivity). The majority (24/30 or 80% ) of GBV-C/HGV RNA positive patients reported a parenteral source of exposu re whereas the remaining 20% denied having known risk factors. The liver fu nction test values and the rate of chronic hepatitis B and C were similar i n patients co-infected and in those not co-infected with GBV-C/HGV. This st udy excludes a significant role of GBV-C/HGV infection in the aetiology of acute nonA-E hepatitis in Italy. Concomitant GBV-C/HGV and HBV or HCV infec tion does not worsen the clinical course of illness among patients with acu te hepatitis. J. Med. Virol. 61:59-64, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.