The Impact of Human Pegivirus on CD4 Cell Count in HIV-Positive Persons in Botswana.
Background
Human pegiviruses (HPgV)-formerly known as hepatitis G virus or GB virus C (GBV-C)-are common single-stranded RNA viruses that may have a beneficial impact on slowing HIV disease progression. The data on HPgV in resource-limited regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. Thus, we conducted the first study of HPgV in Botswana as part of a natural history study of HIV subtype C disease progression.


Methods
Plasma samples from 133 HIV-positive adults were evaluated for HPgV RNA, and the 5'UTR was sequenced to determine the HPgV genotype.


Results
HPgV RNA was detected in 41 (30.8%) individuals. While the presence of HPgV RNA had no impact on baseline HIV viral load, a significant difference in baseline CD4 cell count was observed. HPgV genotypes were determined for 27 individuals and included 5 individuals (18.5%) with genotype 1 and 22 (81.5%) with genotype 5. Baseline CD4 cell counts were significantly higher for persons infected with HPgV genotype 5 compared with genotype 1.


Conclusions
These data suggest that HPgV infection is common among HIV-positive individuals in Botswana and has a significant impact on CD4 cell count. This difference in CD4 cell count based on HPgV genotype suggests that HPgV genotype should be evaluated as a possible predictor of HIV disease progression and highlights the need for additional studies of this virus in resource-limited settings.
["N'Guessan|Kombo F|KF|", 'Anderson|Motswedi|M|', 'Phinius|Bonolo|B|', 'Moyo|Sikhulile|S|', 'Malick|Alyyah|A|', 'Mbangiwa|Tshepiso|T|', 'Choga|Wonderful T|WT|', 'Makhema|Joseph|J|', 'Marlink|Richard|R|', 'Essex|Max|M|', 'Musonda|Rosemary|R|', 'Gaseitsiwe|Simani|S|', 'Blackard|Jason T|JT|']
Botswana hepatitis G virus HIV Africa genotype GB virus C (GBV-C) human pegivirus (HPgV)