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Detection of hepatitis G virus replication sites by using highly strand-specific Tth-based reverse transcriptase PCR
T Laskus1, M Radkowski, L F Wang
1Division of Transplantation Medicine, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
Journal of Virology
|April 3, 1998
Summary
Hepatitis G virus (HGV) replication sites were investigated in HIV-positive patients. Viral RNA was found in bone marrow and spleen, suggesting these tissues may support HGV replication, not primarily the liver.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- The replication sites of the hepatitis G virus (HGV), a recently discovered flavivirus, are not well understood.
- HGV infection is common, particularly in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential sites of hepatitis G virus replication in HIV-positive individuals.
- To determine if HGV primarily replicates in the liver.
Main Methods:
- Utilized highly strand-specific Tth-based reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR).
- Analyzed autopsy tissues from four AIDS patients and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from six HIV-positive patients.
Main Results:
- Negative-strand HGV RNA, indicative of replication, was detected in bone marrow (3/4 samples) and spleen (2/2 samples).
- HGV RNA was also found in one of four liver tissue samples.
- The specific cellular site of replication within positive tissues could not be pinpointed.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support HGV as a primary hepatotropic virus.
- Bone marrow and spleen are potential sites for HGV replication.