[Detection of HGV NS5 antigen in liver tissue of patients with chronic liver disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the existence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) in liver tissue. METHODS: HGV NS5 antigen was detected by immunohistochemical method in paraffin-embeded liver tissue of autopsy patients with chronic liver disease. RESULTS: Among 110 samples, 32.7% (36/110) had been detected out HGAg in their liver. When serologica marker was used, the detection rate was 21% (4/19) in HNA-E, 36% (25/69) in HBV and 32% (7/22) in HCV infectious group, respectively. HGAg expression in hepatocytes was also found pathologically in 22% of 45 patients with active cirrhosis, 43% of 47 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and 33% of 18 patients with chronic fulminent hepatitis. The staining signal of HGV NS5 antigen was mainly located in the cytoplasm of liver or neoplasm cells, and the positive cells were distributed diffusely in pseudolobule or liver tissues. CONCLUSION: The infection of viral G is often seen in liver tissue of patients with chronic liver disease.