GB Virus type C/HGV markers in HCV RNA-positive French blood donors: correlation with HCV genotypes and risk factors

BACKGROUND: Exposure to GB Virus type C/HGV (GBV-C/HGV) could be determined by detection either of RNA by RT-PCR or of antibodies of the envelope prot ein E2. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The aim of the study was to determine the proport ion of the GBV-C/HGV markers of infection in a blood donor population infec ted with HCV and to identify GBV-C/HGV routes of transmission that are asso ciated with HCV genotypes and risk factors. RESULTS: Among 306 HCV RNA-positive blood donors, the proportion of GBV-C/H GV RNA-positive donors and anti-E2-positive donors was 19.3 percent (95% CI = 15.0-24.2%) and 42.1 percent(95% CI = 36.6-47.9%), respectively. Exposur e to GBV-C/HGV (RNA or anti-E2) was significantly associated with the risk factor of IV drug use. There was a trend toward association with HCV subtyp es 1a and 3a, probably because these HCV subtypes are the most frequent in IV drug users. No correlation was observed between ALT elevation and the pr esence of GBV-C/HGV RNA. CONCLUSION: In persons with HCV infection, IV drug use seems to be a major route of GBV-C/HGV transmission. Precautions taken to avoid HCV infection w ill probably also decrease GBV-C/HGV transmission.