Hepatitis G virus infections in Iceland

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is an emerging virus with a global distribution.
• Understanding HGV prevalence is crucial for blood safety and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection in Iceland.
• To investigate HGV exposure in blood donors and individuals with parenteral risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Prevalence study utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viraemia and antibody testing.
• Analysis of serum samples from Icelandic blood donors and high-risk groups (IVDUs, haemophilia, dialysis patients).

Main Results:

• HGV viraemia detected in 3.8% and HGV antibodies in 13.2% of blood donors, indicating at least 17% prior exposure.
• Significantly higher HGV prevalence in intravenous drug users (IVDUs), with 33.9% PCR-positive and 48.6% antibody-positive.
• HGV exposure was common across all age groups in blood donors, suggesting long-standing prevalence in Iceland.

Conclusions:

• HGV exposure is widespread in the general Icelandic population, unlike Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
• The findings suggest HGV has been endemic in Iceland for a considerable period, with likely transmission routes beyond those of HCV.
• Further research into HGV transmission dynamics in Iceland is warranted.