GB virus C (GBV-C/HGV) and E2 antibodies in children preliver and postliver transplant

The association of GB virus type C (CBV-C) virus and clinical disease is un certain. The role of GBV-C and (Envelope) E2 antibody in children with live r transplants has not been determined. This study's aim is to examine the p revalence of GBV-C in children with liver transplants, to assess the relati onship of GBV-C to posttransplant hepatitis, and to determine the role of E 2 antibodies. Sera from 34 children, preliver and postliver transplant, bet ween 1989-1996 were tested for GBV-C (Ribonucleic acid) RNA by the automate d Abbott LCx PCR assay. Anti-E2 antibodies were detected by an Abbott immun oassay. Recent posttransplant liver biopsies were examined for hepatitis. T he results of the study determined that pretransplant, four children (12%) were GBV-C RNA positive. Posttransplant, 14 (42%) children were GBV-C RNA p ositive. The GBV-C RNA positive conversion rate was 33% (Cl 17.2-55.7%). Pa tients received blood products from a mean of 68 +/- 34 donors, which corre lated with GBV-C acquisition. There was no difference in the incidence (32% versus 36%; p = 0.726) or severity (grade 2.00 versus 0.68; p = 0.126) of posttransplant hepatitis in the liver biopsies of GBV-C RNA negative and/or positive children, respectively. Pretransplant, nine of 32 children were a nti-E2 positive. Posttransplant, eight of 32 children were anti-E2 positive , including five children who were anti-E2 positive pretransplant. Of nine children who were anti-E2 positive and GBV-C RNA negative pretransplant, th ree became GBV-C RNA positive posttransplant. The results of this study con clude that the prevalence of GBV-C infection in children postliver transpla ntation is high and that blood product transfusions correlate with GBV-C ac quisition. Also, no correlation was found between GBV-C RNA and the inciden ce or severity of posttransplant hepatitis. Finally, E2 antibody presence b efore transplantation failed to provide complete protection from GBV-C acqu isition.