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Hepatitis G: viroprevalence and seroconversion in a high-risk group of children

W Hardikar1, L D Moaven, D S Bowden

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Journal of Viral Hepatitis
|December 22, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is common in children with hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection. Early HGV infection in children may lead to long-term carriage, unlike in adults.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Hepatitis G virus (HGV), a parenterally transmitted flavivirus, is associated with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) viraemia.
  • Limited data exists on HGV prevalence in pediatric populations.
  • Seroprevalence of HGV in children remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the viroprevalence and seroprevalence of Hepatitis G virus (HGV) in at-risk pediatric patients.
  • To investigate the association between HGV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in children.
  • To compare HGV infection patterns in children with those observed in adults.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 35 pediatric patient sera previously tested for HCV.
  • Detection of HGV RNA using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
  • Quantification of antibodies to HGV E2 envelope protein (anti-E2) using the HGV-env kit.

Main Results:

  • HGV co-infection with HCV was observed in 31% of pediatric patients.
  • Overall HGV viroprevalence was 20%, with a low seroprevalence (5%) of anti-E2 antibodies.
  • A low ratio of anti-E2 to HGV RNA was found in children compared to adults.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis G virus (HGV) shows a significant association with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in pediatric patients.
  • The low anti-E2 prevalence suggests a higher likelihood of persistent HGV infection in children acquiring it at a young age.
  • Findings indicate potential long-term carriage of HGV in children, contrasting with adult infection patterns.

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