Prevalence of hepatitis g virus in healthy children in liver disease, and human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection: Response to interferon

Background: A new virus of the Flaviviridae family, the hepatitis G virus ( HGV/HGBV-C), has been identified recently. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HGV infection in healthy children, in patients with liver disease, and in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-infected p atients. The role of HGV in the clinical course of chronic HCV, the respons e to interferon-alpha 2b, and the possible implications of intravenous gamm a-globulin in the transmission of the virus were also evaluated. Methods: Fifty healthy children, 66 patients with a variety of liver diseas es, 19 patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and variou s batches of commercial intravenous immunoglobulins were investigated. Vira l HGV RNA (5'NCR-NS5) and anti-HGV envelope protein E-2 were assayed. Results: The prevalence of HGV infection was 6% in the healthy children and 42% in the liver disease group. Viremia and anti-E, were found in 11% and 79% of patients with AIDS. Four (27%) of 15 patients with chronic HCV, rece iving treatment with interferon, were coinfected by HGV and became HGV-RNA negative during therapy. One year after the end of interferon therapy, thre e of them were again HGV RNA positive. Conclusions: The prevalence of HGV infection is high in healthy children hi gher in children affected with liver disease, but its potential pathologic implication is questionable, and further studies are warranted. Hepatitis G virus is sensitive to interferon therapy, although the infection often rec urs after discontinuation of treatment.