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

GB virus C (GBV‐C) or hepatitis G virus (HGV) is transmitted by the parenteral route but the importance of sexual transmission needs to be ascertained. GBV‐C/HGV infections were investigated using RNA and E2‐antibody detection 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 main risk factor for HIV‐1 infection: blood product recipients (group 1), intravenous drug users (group 2), homosexuals (group 3), or heterosexual exposure (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 four groups: 75, 75, 55, and 60% in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, used as a control for parenteral exposure, were found in 70% and 90% of the subjects in groups 1 and 2 versus only 15% and 20% of the subjects in groups 3 and 4, respectively (P < .001). Similarly, coinfections with GBV‐C/HGV and HCV were significantly associated with the parenteral route (P < .001). These data emphasized the usefulness of combining the detection of RNA and the E2 antibody to determine the actual prevalence 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 role in the epidemiology of GBV‐C/HGV. The potential influence of GBV‐C/HGV infection on the course of HIV‐1 disease needs further evaluation. J. Med. Virol. 58:373–377, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.