Retrospective study of the incidence of hepatitis G virus infection in transfused patients
Salmerón, J.; Carmona, I.; Torres, C.; Muñoz de Rueda, P.; Gila, A.; Ruiz-Extremera, A.
Medicina Clinica 112(11): 409-411
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7753 PMID: 10231773 Document Number: 510398
Recently the parenteral transmission of hepatitis G virus (HGV) has been shown. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of post-transfusion HGV. HGV (RNA-HGV and anti-HGVE2) were retrospectively studied in 140 transfused patients. 12 (8.6%) were infected after transfusion: 9 of 12 (75%) the RNA-HGV remained detectable after 6 months and 3 (25%) seroconverted to anti-HGVE2. No patient had post-transfusional hepatitis criteria. In 5 (42%) the transaminases levels were slightly increased. The clinical evolution was favourable. No significant differences were found between patients with or without HGV infection. HGV is an agent associated with transfusion but it carries a low pathogenic capability.