High prevalence of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus genotype 3 among autochthonous Venezuelan populations

GB virus C or hepatitis G virus (GBV‐C/HGV) is highly prevalent among population groups at risk of parenterally transmitted viral agents, but it has also a worldwide distribution in other non‐risk population groups. GBV‐C/HGV RNA and antibodies against its envelope protein (anti‐E2 Abs) were found in 3/86 (3%) and 7/89 (8%) of biomedical science personnel (BSP), in 31/453 (7%) and 37/200 (19%) of blood donors (BD), and in 6/64 (9%) and 26/59 (44%) of hemodialysis patients (HD) from Caracas, Venezuela. A significant gradient of GBV‐C/HGV exposure (anti‐E2 Abs and/or GBV‐C/HGV RNA) was found between BSP (lowest prevalence), BD, and HD (P