The prevalence of GB virus C, risk factors and its relationship with other hepatitis viruses in a general population in Jakarta, Indonesia

This study identifies the prevalence, risk factors for GB virus C (GBV- C) and its relationship with other hepatitis viruses in a general population of Jakarta, Indonesia. A population-based sample of 995 people aged 15 and above was surveyed. Risk factors were identified by questionnaires and home visits. Serum was analyzed for seromarkers of hepatitis viruses, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The seroprevalence of GBV-C RNA (GB virus C ribonucleic acid) was 2.0%, HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) was 4.1%, anti-HBs (antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen) was 17.4%, anti-HCV (antibody to hepatitis C) was 3.5% and anti-HAV (antibody to hepatitis A virus) was 87.3%. Co-infection between HCV and GBV-C was not found while co-infection between HBV and GBV-C was detected in one case. Compared to low socioeconomic status, middle socioeconomic status had almost a five times higher risk of having GBV-C RNA (adjusted OR= 5.29, 95% CI: 1.56-17.99). Transfusion and total alcohol consumption during lifetime were risk factors for GBV-C RNA (adjusted OR = 4.76, 95% CI: 1.46- 15.46 and adjusted OR = 6.24, 95%, CI: 1.28-30.35, respectively). In conclusion, the prevalence of GB virus C infections in Jakarta is moderate. Co-infection of GBV-C with HCV is not found, and that with HBV is very low. GBV-C transmission is associated with socioeconomic status, history of transfusion and alcohol consumption.