Journal of Infection in Developing Countries (Oct 2007)
HGV prevalence in patients with Type II diabetes mellitus and HGV infection
Abstract
Background: In this study, because of genomic mimicry of viruses and resemblance in transmission route of HCV and GBV-C/HGV infection, we aimed to investigate possible relationships between chronic GBV-C/HGV infection and NIDDM in 88 patients with type-2 diabetes and 89 gender- and age-matched non-diabetic controls.Methodology: We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods and immunoassay systems for determining viral genome and antibody, respectively to investigate epidemiology of HGV/GBV-C virus in diabetic patients. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured and compared between patient and control groups.Results: Rates of GBV-C/HGV RNA; and anti-GBV-C/HGV antibody were 2.3% and 2.3%; and 0% and 2.4%, in patients and controls, respectively (GBV-C/HGV, p=0.158; anti-HGV p=0.825). HBsAg, HBV and Anti HCV positivity rates in diabetic patients and controls were 3.4%, 36.8%, 1.1%, respectively; in non-diabetic controls 2.2%, 32.6%, 0%, respectively (for HBs Ag, p= 0.657,for HBV p= 0.427 and for Anti HCV p= 0.321).Conclusions: Differences were not found in the rates of HCV, HBV and GBV-C/HGV positivity between patients with type 2 diabetes and control groups. Expanded studies may be necessary to form more conclusive interpretations.
