Persistent hepatitis G virus infection after neonatal transfusion

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Hepatology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Hepatitis G virus (HGV), a Flaviviridae-like virus, has been identified, with most infections remaining asymptomatic.
• Previous studies reported HGV association with posttransfusion hepatitis, but data on pediatric populations were lacking.
• This study investigated HGV prevalence in children exposed to blood products during the neonatal period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis G virus infection in children transfused in the neonatal period.
• To assess the long-term outcomes and potential liver disease associated with HGV infection in this pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 251 children with neonatal transfusions were analyzed for HGV RNA using RT-PCR.
• HGV isolates were sequenced for confirmation and subtyping.
• Follow-up examinations, including clinical assessment and liver function tests, were performed on a subset of HGV-positive children after a mean of 15 years.

Main Results:

• Hepatitis G virus RNA was detected in 7.6% (19/251) of the children studied.
• No patients with HGV infection showed clinical or biochemical evidence of liver disease, even when coinfected with Hepatitis C virus.
• Four of 14 HGV-positive children studied long-term exhibited persistent infection, remaining asymptomatic and healthy with normal liver function.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal transfusions pose a risk for Hepatitis G virus infection, with a high likelihood of chronicity.
• Despite chronic infection, HGV does not appear to cause clinical hepatitis or extrahepatic disease in children, similar to adult findings.
• This suggests a generally benign clinical course for HGV infection in children post-transfusion.