Evidence for extensive genotypic diversity and recombination of GB virus C (GBV‐C) in Germany

Multiple genotypes of GB virus C (GBV‐C)—a non‐pathogenic flavivirus—have been identified to date, although they are not uniformly distributed worldwide. It has also been suggested that GBV‐C genotype may play a role in modulating HIV disease; however, the prevalence and genotype distribution of GBV‐C has not been adequately studied in most countries. Among 408 HIV positive subjects in Germany, 97 (23.8%) had detectable GBV‐C RNA. Based on sequencing of the 5′ untranslated region (5′‐UTR), the GBV‐C genotypes were 1 (n = 8; 8.2%), 2 (n = 81; 83.5%), and 3 (n = 2; 2.1%), as well as a unique genotype not previously reported (n = 6; 6.2%). Among 17 samples also sequenced in the envelope 2 (E2) region, 14 had concordant genotype results when comparing the 5′‐UTR and E2, while evidence of intergenotypic recombination was observed among E2 sequences from 3 individuals. These results suggest that genotypic diversity and viral recombination contribute to the overall genetic variability of GBV‐C. J. Med. Virol. 83:685–694, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.