[Nucleotide sequence analysis of new genotype of hepatitis G virus in population at high risk for HCV infection in Guangxi].
OBJECTIVE
To examine the prevalence and the sequence of the genes of new genotypes of hepatitis G virus (HGV) in Guangxi, China.


METHODS
Serum samples were collected from 85 intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs), 80 patients with liver diseases (PLDs) and 50 blood donors (BDs). All sera (n=215) were tested by using EIA for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV, and by using nested PCR for HGV RNA. In 62 subjects positive for HGV, HGV RNA was sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed for analyzing genotypes of HGV.


RESULTS
HGV RNA was detected in 85 of 215 serum samples (39.53%). The positivity rates for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV were 39.07%, 42.79% and 0, respectively. First, 11 nucleotide sequences were determined and the isolates were grouped into three clusters with HGV. 5 of 11 HGV isolates clustered in a distinct phylogenetic branch (genotype Asia) which was different from the described GBV-C and HGV sequences, suggesting the presence of a new genotype of HGV in this locality. Second, 51 nucleotide sequences were determined and analyzed for their genotypes of HGV, and showed genotype GBV-C (3.23%), genotype HGV 30-65% and new genotype (genotype Asia) 64.51%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
There were subgenotypes in 3 genotypes of HGV; The predominant genotypes of HGV were genotype Asia and genotype HGV among IVDAs, PLDs, and BDs patients in Guangxi, China.
Ge
Xianmin
X
Guangxi Institute of Occupational Health, Nanning 530021, China.
Li
Danya
D
Wu
Rongrong
R
Huang
Guoyong
G
Pan
Haidong
H
Cao
Kun
K
Li
Pingchuan
P
Wang
Shusheng
S
Masashi
Mizokami
M
D000328:Adult; D001782:Blood Donors; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D029407:GB virus C / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005838:Genotype; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics*; D017423:Sequence Analysis, RNA; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000821:virology*
D012367:RNA, Viral