Detection of Hepatitis G virus(GBV-C),in chronic Hepatitis C Patient,by RT-Nested PCR

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis G virus (GBV-C) is a single strand RNApositive virus and is a member of flaviviridae family. Infection with the virus is prevalent add has worldwide distribution. Accurate diagnosis of the virus is very important, because of co-infection with other important viruses like HCV, HBV and HIV, it may influence on pathogenesis, disease progression and response to viral therapy.

Materials and Methods: In the current investigation a sensitive and accurate RT-Nested PCR for isolation and detection of 5'-UTR sequences of Hepatitis G virus (GBV-C) was developed and applied. First genome of the virus was extracted and then, by Reverse Transcription method, cDNA was synthesized. Then, by use of a double stage PCR and two pairs of specific primers, the specified region of the virus genome was amplified and the final product was visualized on agarose gel electrophoresis.

Results: Based on five positive samples, the method was developed and optimized. Then, by use of the developed method, 71 sera samples from chronic HCV infected patients, was checked for Hepatitis G virus (GBV-C). Finally, it was shown that 31(43.6%) patients were positive for Hepatitis G virus.

Conclusion: Based in the results in the current study, it was shown that the developed assay has acceptable performance for diagnosis of Hepatitis G virus infection.Also it was concluded that the infection rate among chronic HCV infected patients is high.