Evaluation of RNA and E2 antibodies in prospectively followed recipients of hepatitis G virus-infected blood

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis G virus (HGV) has recently been cloned and tests for HGV RNA and envelope antibodies (anti-E2) have been developed. HGV infectio n is widespread among blood donors worldwide, but the clinical and serologi c outcome of transfusion-associated HGV infection has not been fully charac terized. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Consecutive blood donors (n = 2210) were investig ated for HGV markers (RNA and anti-E2). The recipients of HGV RNA-positive blood were followed for 1 year after transfusion. RESULTS: Forty-two blood donors (1.9%) were positive for HGV RNA. Eight rec ipients of HGV RNA-positive blood were retrospectively identified within 2 weeks of transfusion and prospectively followed. In four patients, the pres ence of anti-E2 before transfusion or an early antibody response protected them from reinfection or prevented HGV persistence, while, in the remaining four patients, transient or persistent viremia was detected shortly after exposure. None of the infected recipients had any evidence of liver disease . CONCLUSION: These results do not support the screening of donors to prevent transfusion-associated HGV infection.