Persistence and clinical significance of hepatitis G virus infections in injecting drug users.
To assess the persistence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection and its association with liver disease, HGV RNA was assessed in the most recent serum sample for 246 long-term injecting drug users (IDUs) and in prior specimens for those found HGV RNA-positive. HGV RNA was detected at the most recent visit in 38 (15.4%). For 31 (82%), HGV RNA was also found at all prior visits occurring a median of 6.1 years earlier. HGV-positive IDUs were younger and had fewer years of drug use, suggesting that HGV RNA had previously been cleared. Serial samples from 29 short-term IDUs were then assessed. HGV RNA was detected in 9 (31%) of 29 short-term IDUs, and 5 (56%) of the 9 HGV infections cleared. No differences were detected in serum levels of liver-related enzymes among HGV RNA-positive and -negative participants (P > .20). HGV infection is not associated with hepatic inflammation. HGV clearance occurs after many acute infections but uncommonly in persons who remain RNA-positive years after exposure.
Thomas
D L
DL
Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Nakatsuji
Y
Y
Shih
J W
JW
Alter
H J
HJ
Nelson
K E
KE
Astemborski
J A
JA
Lyles
C M
CM
Vlahov
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018067:Flaviviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*
D012367:RNA, Viral