Influence of GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus infection on the long-term course of chronic hepatitis B

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
11:14

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection

Published on: November 7, 2018

G Fattovich1, M L Ribero, S Favarato

  • 1Istituto di Patologia Speciale Medica, Cattedra di Medicina Interna, University of Verona, Italy.

Liver
|November 27, 1998
PubMed

Insights

GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) coinfection in chronic hepatitis B did not alter liver disease outcomes. Persistent HGV infection was associated with biochemical remission, but did not change the overall course of chronic hepatitis B.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The clinical significance of GB virus-C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) in chronic hepatitis B remains unclear.
  • Investigating the role of GBV-C/HGV in the progression and outcome of liver disease is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of GBV-C/HGV infection in the clinical outcome of chronic hepatitis B.
  • To determine the prevalence and persistence of GBV-C/HGV in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Main Methods:

  • Studied HGV-RNA and anti-E2 antibody in 125 chronic hepatitis B patients, 82 HBsAg carriers, and 103 healthy adults.
  • Assessed viral markers in patients with and without co-infections (HDV, HCV) and in high-risk groups (drug addicts).
  • Followed patients for 1-11 years to evaluate the impact of persistent HGV infection on disease activity and remission.

Main Results:

  • HGV-RNA prevalence was higher in chronic hepatitis B patients with HDV/HCV co-infection (29%) compared to HBV alone (6%).
  • Overall GBV-C/HGV marker prevalence was similar across healthy adults, HBsAg carriers, and chronic hepatitis B patients without co-infections.
  • Persistent HGV infection in chronic hepatitis B was associated with a higher rate of sustained biochemical remission (400%) compared to HGV clearance (80% disease activity).

Conclusions:

  • GBV-C/HGV exposure rates in chronic HBV infection are similar to healthy adults, except in high-risk populations.
  • Long-lasting GBV-C/HGV coinfection or seroconversion did not significantly alter the clinical course of chronic hepatitis B.
  • While persistent HGV infection may correlate with biochemical remission, it does not appear to modify the overall disease progression in chronic hepatitis B.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells09:02

Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells

Published on: June 5, 2020

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...