High prevalence of hepatitis G virus infection compared with hepatitis C virus infection in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis

摘要: A recently discovered non-A-E hepatitis virus has been designated as G (HGV) and identified a new member of the Flaviviridae family. Infection by this is thought to be associated with blood-borne usually in presence C or B (HBV) infection. In study, HGV-RNA serum plasma prevalence antibodies against an HGV envelope protein (E2) were investigated patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis using sensitive reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. was detected 19 112 (17%) anti-E2 15 106 studied (14.2%). With exception two patients, appearance clearance HGV-RNA. The total current (HGV-RNA positivity) and/or past (anti-E2 infection patient population thus 28.6% (32 positive for antibodies). apparently healthy blood donors, four 358 individuals (1.12%) not 50 investigated. From positivity, nine coinfected other viruses (seven HBV; one HBV, [HCV], D virus; HBV cytomegalovirus). Thirteen positivity (10 only three also anti-HBc) had no detectable both concomitantly present (both HCV HBV). Of HGV-infected who showed elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. HCV-RNA anti-HCV five (4.5%) patients. these findings, we conclude that there high (28.6%) compared our hospital. However, approximately 50% spontaneously lost viremia developed anti-HGV-E2 antibodies. We confirm alone transaminases, accompanied contrast results previous majority infected are HCV, indicating capable independent transmission. It likely preferential acquisition unit. clinical significance long-term remains established.