SEN virus detection in thalassemic patients infected with hepatitis C virus

HCV infection is known to be associated with clinical complications in thalassemic patients. D and H genotypes of SEN virus (SENV) are associated with blood-product transfusion and possibly non-A-to-E hepatitis. In this study, SENV viremia and its effect on liver ALT level in thalassemic patients, thalassemic patients infected with HCV, and HCV-infected patients were examined. Semi-nested PCR was conducted for detection of genotype H and D DNA, and the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was measured. There was no significant difference in the mean ALT level in the studied groups and between SENV-positive and SENV-negative individuals. The results also showed that SENV infection does not affect the ALT level in these patients.