Infection with GB virus C (GBV-C) in patients with fulminant hepatitis

Backgrounds/Methods:There appear to be hepatitis virus other than hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. One of these has been proposed with a designation of GB virus C. Sera from 44 patients with fulminant hepatitis were tested for RNA of GB virus C by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction with nested primers deduced from the putative non-structural 3 (helicase) region. Results:RNA of GB virus C was detected in three (20%) of 15 patients with hepatitis B virus infection and three (12%) of 25 patients without markers of hepatitis A–E virus infection. Overall, GB virus C RNA was detected in six (14%) of the 44 patients with fulminant hepatitis, at a frequency significantly higher (p<0.001) than that in three (0.9%) of 326 blood donors matched for age with the patients. Conclusions:These results indicate a role of GB virus C in inducing fulminant hepatitis either by itself or in concert with other hepatitis viruses.