N’Guessan, Kombo FAnderson, MotswediPhinius, BonoloMoyo, SikhulileMalick, AlyyahMbangiwa, TshepisoChoga, Wonderful TMakhema, JosephMarlink, RichardEssex, MaxMusonda, RosemaryGaseitsiwe, SimaniBlackard, Jason T2018-01-182017N’Guessan, K. F., M. Anderson, B. Phinius, S. Moyo, A. Malick, T. Mbangiwa, W. T. Choga, et al. 2017. “The Impact of Human Pegivirus on CD4 Cell Count in HIV-Positive Persons in Botswana.” Open Forum Infectious Diseases 4 (4): ofx222. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofx222. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofx222.http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:34651709Abstract Background: Human pegiviruses (HPgV)—formerly known as hepatitis G virus or GB virus C (GBV-C)—are common single-stranded RNA viruses that may have a beneficial impact on slowing HIV disease progression. The data on HPgV in resource-limited regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. Thus, we conducted the first study of HPgV in Botswana as part of a natural history study of HIV subtype C disease progression. Methods: Plasma samples from 133 HIV-positive adults were evaluated for HPgV RNA, and the 5’UTR was sequenced to determine the HPgV genotype. Results: HPgV RNA was detected in 41 (30.8%) individuals. While the presence of HPgV RNA had no impact on baseline HIV viral load, a significant difference in baseline CD4 cell count was observed. HPgV genotypes were determined for 27 individuals and included 5 individuals (18.5%) with genotype 1 and 22 (81.5%) with genotype 5. Baseline CD4 cell counts were significantly higher for persons infected with HPgV genotype 5 compared with genotype 1. Conclusions: These data suggest that HPgV infection is common among HIV-positive individuals in Botswana and has a significant impact on CD4 cell count. This difference in CD4 cell count based on HPgV genotype suggests that HPgV genotype should be evaluated as a possible predictor of HIV disease progression and highlights the need for additional studies of this virus in resource-limited settings.en-USAfricaBotswanahepatitis G virusHIVhuman pegivirus (HPgV)GB virus C (GBV-C)genotypeJournal Article2018-01-1810.1093/ofid/ofx222