Hepatitis G virus: Prevalence in blood donors in armed forces

• Published in: Medical journal. Armed Forces India Vol. 61; no. 4; pp. 333 - 335
• Main Authors: Praharaj, AK, Tripathy, S, Kalghatgi, AK, Nagendra, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Elsevier B.V 01.10.2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Armed Forces; Blood donors; Hepatitis G Virus; Original; Armed Forces; Hepatitis G Virus; Blood donors
• ISSN: 0377-1237
• DOI: 10.1016/S0377-1237(05)80057-7

Background: A new RNA virus designated hepatitis G virus (HGV) was recently identified. Because HGV has less than 25% sequence or amino acid homology with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and other established Flaviviridae, it is considered to be a new genus in this growing family of hapatotropic viruses. Hepatitis G virus has been associated with hepatitis and is transmitted through parenteral and sexual route. Material and methods: A study comprising 500 healthy voluntary blood donors (service personnel) was under taken to find out prevalence of HGV. HGV RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase — polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and antibody to HCV were detected by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: Thirteen donors (2.6%) were positive for HGV RNA. 17 donors (3.4%) were positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) by ELISA. Co-infection of HGV with hepatitis B virus (HBV) was seen in 5 donors and with HCV infection in 2 donors. Co-infection of HGV, HBV and HCV was not seen in any donor. Conclusion: So far there is no conclusive evidence that HGV produces hepatitis. But presence of HGV in hepatitis cases casts a doubt on this finding. Prevalence rate in blood donors may be helpful in future studies when the exact role of HGV is known.