Poor association of GBV-C viremia with hepatocellular carcinoma

Background/Aims: The role of the hepatitis GB virus C in chronic liver disease is unclear. The clinical findings, results of laboratory tests, pathological findings, and outcome after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients infected or not infected with GB virus C were compared. Methods: Serum samples from 213 patients were tested for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and GB virus C. Of the 213 patients, 159 had hepatitis C viral RNA or antibodies (group 1), seven had both hepatitis C viral RNA or antibodies and hepatitis B surface antigen (group 2), 25 had hepatitis B surface antigen (group 3), and 22 did not have hepatitis C viral RNA, hepatitis C antibodies, or hepatitis B surface antigen (group 4). Results: GB virus C RNA was detected in 12 of the 213 patients. Of the 12 patients, 11 were in group 1 and one was in group 4. There were no patients with hepatocellular carcinoma associated with GB virus C RNA alone. In groups 1 and 4, there were no differences in clinical findings, results of laboratory tests, pathological findings, or outcome after surgery in patients with and without GB virus C RNA. Conclusions: These results indicate a poor association of GB virus C viremia with hepatocellular carcinoma. We did not find any clinically significant interaction between hepatitis C virus and GB virus C.