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GBV-C/HGV infection in children with chronic hepatitis C
H Komatsu1, T Fujisawa, A Inui
1Department of Pediatrics, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan.
Insights
The GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) is common in children with chronic hepatitis C, but does not worsen liver disease. Underlying cancer increases GBV-C/HGV risk in these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The role of GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) in pediatric liver disease remains unclear.
- GBV-C/HGV is a Flaviviridae family member with global prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine GBV-C/HGV prevalence in children with chronic hepatitis C.
- To investigate the pathogenic role of GBV-C/HGV in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 64 Japanese children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
- Detection of serum GBV-C/HGV RNA and antibodies against envelope protein E2 (anti-E2).
Main Results:
- GBV-C/HGV RNA was detected in 32.8% of patients.
- Only 1.6% showed seroconversion (anti-E2 and GBV-C/HGV positive).
- Underlying malignant disease was a risk factor for GBV-C/HGV viremia; no significant impact on clinical, virological, or histological features was observed, nor on HCV treatment response.
Conclusions:
- GBV-C/HGV prevalence in pediatric chronic hepatitis C is similar to adults, with infrequent E2-seroconversion.
- Underlying malignancy is a risk factor for GBV-C/HGV viremia in children.
- GBV-C/HGV does not appear to influence the clinical course of chronic hepatitis C in young patients.
Abstract:
The role of GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV), a recently identified member of the Flaviviridae family, in children with liver disease is not well understood. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of GBV-C/HGV and to clarify its pathogenic role in young patients with chronic hepatitis C. Sixty-four Japanese children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with a mean age of 9.8 years, were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty-one (32.8%) of the 64 patients were positive for serum GBV-C/HGV RNA. Only 1 (1.6%) of the 64 patients was positive for antibody against the envelope protein E2 of GBV-C/HGV (anti-E2) and GBV-C/HGV. None of them was positive for anti-E2 alone. There was no significant difference in clinical, virological, or histological characteristics between GBV-C/HGV-positive and GBV-C/HGV-negative patients, except for underlying malignant disease. There was no evidence that GBV-C/HGV might affect the response of HCV to interferon therapy in young patients with chronic hepatitis C. The prevalence of GBV-C/HGV infection in young patients with chronic hepatitis C is similar to that in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C, but E2-seroconversion is observed infrequently. Underlying malignant disease is a risk factor for GBV-C/HGV viremia. GBV-C/HGV does not seem to affect the clinical course of young patients with chronic hepatitis C.