Seroprevalence of GBV-C/hepatitis G virus RNA in polytransfused Egyptian children with thalassemia hemophilia and aplastic anemia

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis G virus-RNA [HGV-RNA] in Egyptian polytransfused children and the role of blood transfusion in its transmission. Also, to investigate the impact of this virus on liver functions. RT-PCR was used to detect HGV-RNA in serum samples from 68 children with thalassemia, hemophilia, aplastic anemia and 14 normal controls. Transfusion histories and serology for Aspartate and Alanine aminotransferases [ALT, AST], and hepatitis markers were recorded. The prevalence of HGV-RNA among patients is lower than the prevalence of HBV and HCV. Although statistically insignificant, HGV-RNA is more frequent in children with HCV infection and hemophilia. The concentration of ALT, AST and the number of transfused units were insignificantly elevated in HGV-RNA positive cases than HGV negative cases. Infection with HGV is not uncommon in Egyptian children, which might have a public health implications. Transfusion of blood is not the sole way for its transmission. HGV may not cause acute liver disease. However, further studies are needed to detect the possibility of chronic liver disease and the possible genetic difference of this virus in HGV-RNA positive polytransfused children and their normal controls