Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (hu-NSG) Mouse Model for HIV Replication and Latency Studies
Published on: January 7, 2019
The Impact of Human Pegivirus on CD4 Cell Count in HIV-Positive Persons in Botswana
Kombo F N'Guessan1, Motswedi Anderson2,3, Bonolo Phinius2
1University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Background:
Human pegiviruses (HPgV)-formerly known as hepatitis G virus or GB virus C (GBV-C)-are common single-stranded RNA viruses that may have a beneficial impact on slowing HIV disease progression. The data on HPgV in resource-limited regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. Thus, we conducted the first study of HPgV in Botswana as part of a natural history study of HIV subtype C disease progression.
Methods:
Plasma samples from 133 HIV-positive adults were evaluated for HPgV RNA, and the 5'UTR was sequenced to determine the HPgV genotype.
Results:
HPgV RNA was detected in 41 (30.8%) individuals. While the presence of HPgV RNA had no impact on baseline HIV viral load, a significant difference in baseline CD4 cell count was observed. HPgV genotypes were determined for 27 individuals and included 5 individuals (18.5%) with genotype 1 and 22 (81.5%) with genotype 5. Baseline CD4 cell counts were significantly higher for persons infected with HPgV genotype 5 compared with genotype 1.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that HPgV infection is common among HIV-positive individuals in Botswana and has a significant impact on CD4 cell count. This difference in CD4 cell count based on HPgV genotype suggests that HPgV genotype should be evaluated as a possible predictor of HIV disease progression and highlights the need for additional studies of this virus in resource-limited settings.
