Persistence and clinical significance of hepatitis G virus infections in injecting drug users

J Infect Dis. 1997 Sep;176(3):586-92. doi: 10.1086/514078.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Flaviviridae* / genetics
  • Flaviviridae* / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / complications*
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / pathology
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / virology
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral