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GB virus C infection by blood transfusion during and following liver surgery
S Kubo1, S Nishiguchi, K Hirohashi
1Second Department of Surgery, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan.
Background/Aims:
GB virus C has been associated with some cases of fulminant hepatitis and post-transfusion hepatitis. We examined transfusion-related infection with this virus.
Methodology:
Of 150 patients undergoing liver resection, 108 received a homologous blood transfusion. Serum samples before and after surgery were examined for GB virus C RNA by a nested polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription. We also studied the post-operative course of patients infected with GB virus C by blood transfusion.
Results:
Viral RNA was detected in sera taken after transfusion in 4 (4%) patients receiving homologous transfusions. Viral RNA was not detected after surgery in the 42 patients given autologous transfusions or not receiving homologous blood. Post-operative courses in the 4 infected patients were uneventful.
Conclusions:
As 4% of homologous transfusions resulted in GB virus C infection in our small surgical study, autologous transfusion is recommended when circumstances permit.