Abstract
Background: The aim was to estimate the prevalence and the persistence of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) exposure markers in a group at high risk for transfusion-transmitted agents.
Patients and Methods: Serum samples from 37 thalassemic patients were screened for GBV-C/HGV RNA by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and for antibodies to the envelope protein E2 of GBV-C/HGV (anti-E2).
Results and Discussion: GBV-C/HGV RNA and anti-E2 were detected in 13 (35%) and 12 (32%) sera, repsectively. Contemporary presence of both markers was found in one patient. GBV-C/HGV exposure was found in 24 patients (64.8%). Mean levels of liver enzymes were similar in both exposed and unexposed GBV-C/HGV groups. 33 out of 35 patients showed no change in GBV-C/HGV RNA and anti-E2 status in sera taken 6 months apart. The rate of persistent infection was 92.3% and the anti-E2 seroconversion rate was 23% for sera taken at least 6 months apart. The temporal overlap between anti-E2 seroconversion and loss of detectable GBV-C/HGV RNA may last more than 6 months.
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Received: November 1, 1999 · Revision accepted: February 27, 2001
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Kondili, L., Chionne, P., Dettori, S. et al. GB Virus C/Hepatitis G Virus Exposure in Italian Pediatric and Young Adult Thalassemic Patients. Infection 29, 219–221 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-001-9172-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-001-9172-7