Retrospective study of the hepatitis G virus infection incidence in transfused patients

BACKGROUND: Recently the parenteral transmission of hepatitis G virus (HGV) has been shown, The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of p ost-transfusion HGV, PATIENTS AND METHODS: HGV (RNA-HGV and anti-HGVE2) were retrospectively stu died in 140 transfused patients. RESULTS: 12 (8,6%) were infected after tra nsfusion: 9 of 12 (75%) the RNA-HGV remained detectable after 6 months and 3 (25%) seroconverted to anti-HGVE2. No patient had post-transfusional hepa titis criteria, In 5 (42%) the transaminases levels were slighty increased. The clinical evolution was favourable. No significant differences were fou nd between patients with or without HGV infection CONCLUSION: HGV is an agent associated with transfusion but it carries a lo w pathogenic capability.