GB virus C/hepatitis G virus exposure in Italian pediatric and young adultthalassemic patients

Background: The aim was to estimate the prevalence and the persistence of G B virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) exposure markers in a group at high risk for transfusion transmitted agents. Patients and Methods: Serum samples from 37 thalassemic patients were scree ned for GBV-C/HGV RNA by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and for antibod ies to the envelope protein E2 of GBV-C/HGV (anti-E2). Results and Discussion: GBV-C/HGV RNA and anti-E2 were detected in 13 (35%) and 12 (32%) sera, respectively. Contemporary presence of both markers was found in one patient. GBV-C/HGV exposure was found in 24 patients (64.8%). Mean Levels of Liver enzymes were similar in both exposed and unexposed GB V-C/HGV groups. 33 out of 35 patients showed no change in GBV-C/HGV RNA and anti-E2 status in sera taken 6 months apart. The rate of persistent infect ion was 92.3% and the anti-E2 seroconversion rate was 23% for sera taken at Least 6 months apart. The temporal. overlap between anti-E2 seroconversion and loss of detectable GBV-C/HGV RNA may Last more than 6 months.