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Outcome of mother to infant acquired GBV-C/HGV infection
G Zuin1, B Saccani, S Di Giacomo
1Fourth Paediatric Department, Università di Milano, Istituto di Scienze Biomediche Sacco, Italy.
Insights
Most infants born to mothers with GBV-C/HGV RNA infection remained positive for the virus. Hepatocellular injury was primarily observed in infants with GBV-C/HGV, hepatitis C virus, and HIV coinfection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and GB virus C/Hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) are related RNA viruses.
- Vertical and perinatal transmission routes are significant for viral infections in newborns.
- Coinfection with multiple viruses can alter disease progression and severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the outcomes of vertical/perinatal GBV-C/HGV RNA infection in infants.
- To assess the persistence of GBV-C/HGV RNA in infants up to 12 months of age.
- To determine the association between GBV-C/HGV infection, coinfections, and hepatocellular injury.
Main Methods:
- Study included twelve infants born to GBV-C/HGV RNA positive mothers.
- Viral RNA persistence was monitored up to 12 months of age.
- Alanine amino transferase (ALT) levels were measured to assess liver injury.
Main Results:
- 91% of infants remained persistently GBV-C/HGV RNA positive at 12 months.
- Four of six infants with GBV-C/HGV infection alone showed normal ALT activities.
- Significant hepatocellular injury was evident only in infants coinfected with GBV-C/HGV, HCV, and HIV.
Conclusions:
- Infants born to GBV-C/HGV RNA positive mothers frequently maintain viral RNA.
- Isolated GBV-C/HGV infection appears to have a limited impact on liver enzymes in infants.
- Hepatocellular injury in infants is strongly associated with coinfection involving GBV-C/HGV, HCV, and HIV.
Abstract:
Twelve children born to hepatitis C virus antibody GBV-C/HGV RNA positive mothers who acquired GBV-C/HGV infection by the vertical or perinatal route were studied. Most (91%) were persistently GBV-C/HGV RNA positive up to 12 months of age. Four out of six cases who acquired GBV-C/HGV alone had normal alanine amino transferase activities. Long lasting evidence of hepatocellular injury was detected only in children with GBV-C/HGV and hepatitis C virus and HIV coinfection.