HEPATITIS-C-VIRUS-INFECTIONS AND HEPATITIS-G-VIRUS-INFECTIONS IN POLYTRANSFUSED CHILDREN

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and a newly identified hepat itis G virus (HGV) and their clinical significance were studied in 42 polytransfused Taiwanese children. Serological assays for antibodies a gainst HCV (anti-HCV) and polymerase chain reaction for serum HCV ribo nucleic acid (RNA) and HGV RNA were performed. The prevalence of anti- HCV and HGV RNA was 17% and 14%, respectively in 42 polytransfused chi ldren. Anti-HCV seropositives had a significantly higher mean age, pea k serum transaminase level, and loner transfusion duration than serone gatives while children with HGV infection usually had no or only mild hepatitis activities. The prevalence of anti-HCV dropped sharply after implementation of anti-HCV screening, however the prevalence of HGV v iraemia remained unchanged. Conclusion HGV infection is not uncommon i n polytransfused Taiwanese children and the virus does not cause signi ficant hepatitis compared to HCV infection. Current blood donor screen ing for anti-HCV can effectively protect polytransfused children from HCV infection but the impact of additional screening for HCV markers a waits further studies.