A proposed rapid method for genomic characterization of GBV-C/hepatitis G virus (HGV)

GBV-C/Hepatitis G virus (HGV) has been identified as an infectious agent for humans although its potential involvement as a pathogenic virus is still controversial. Hitherto, 3 genotypes have been identified worldwide by c-DNA sequencing. This method allows genomic viral RNA clustering according to the geographical source of the strains, but its potential value in type- (or even strain-) specific pathogenesis has only started to be explored. Since this method requires highly specialized laboratories and is rather expensive, we propose a rapid method based on differential restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of 5' NCR amplicons. Using Hinf I, Dra I and Mae II endonucleases, it is possible to obtain different restriction patterns to discriminate among 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 3 subtypes/types. This methodology could be useful for large scale molecular epidemiology as well as for studies on viral pathogenesis.