Application of Semi-nested PCR RFLP for Detection and Genotyping GBV-C among HBV-infected Patients
نویسندگان
1 Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
doi
چکیده
Objective: GBV-C is a virus transmissible via blood transfusion and sexual routes. Because of the shared transmission routes in GBV-C and hepatitis B virus (HBV) we have attempted to detect GBV-C in HBsAg-positive patients using the more sensitive semi-nested PCR. We used restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to determine genotype. Methods: A total of 100 serum samples were collected from HBsAg-positive patients from 1389-1390. After designing specific primers and optimizing the semi-nested PCR, sequences of PCR products were analyzed by Neb Cutter software. Restriction enzyme sites were determined and suitable enzymes selected for RFLP. Results: Semi-nested PCR shows acceptable sensitivity for the detection of GBV-C and its genotype determination. This technique is more affordable than other techniques. Conclusion: There appears to be a high rate of GBV-C infection among Iranian HBV patients. In this study, the majority of patients co-infected with GBV-C were of HBV genotype 2, which is similar to the pattern seen in the US and Europe.
