Hepatitis G virus infection in a haemodialysis unit: prevalence and clinical implications

Abstract

Patients on maintenance haemodialysis are at increased risk for HGV infection. HGV infection itself does not seem to be a frequent cause of chronic liver disease in these patients. Since the prevalence of HGV infection in blood donors is high, blood transfusion could be one of the main factors implicated in HGV transmission in patients on haemodialysis.

Prevalence of Hepatitis G Virus Infection in Slovenian Hemodialysis Patients as Determined by the Detection of Viral Genome and E2 Antibodies

“…Since all prevalence studies of HGV infection among hemodialysis patients published to date were based on the detection of HGV RNA only [9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16], it is difficult to compare the prevalence rate of HGV infection established in our hemodialysis unit with other prevalence rates. However, if a comparison is made of only the prevalence rates of HGV viremia, our hemodialysis unit would be among those with a lower prevalence of HGV RNA (3.1–15%) [9, 10, 11, 12].…”

“…Thus, the reported prevalence rates of HGV RNA in hemodialysis patients vary from 3.1 to 55.0% [9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16]. However, according to the results of recent studies performed on intravenous drug users and blood donors [17, 18, 19], we consider that the prevalence rates of HGV infection in hemodialysis patients found in previous studies in which only HGV RNA was measured are not valid.…”

Hepatitis G virus (HGV): where we stand and what to do?

“…HBV and HCV are the most likely causes of viral hepatitis in Pakistan (Mujeeb, 1998;Chopra, 2010;Khokhar, 2002;Taylor et al, 2000). There is no vaccine available in the market against HCV (Rehman and Hafiz, 2000;Rafiq et al, 1999;Mibagheri, 1999;Ahmed et al, 2006Ahmed et al, , 2008Oliveira et al, 2002;Kumar et al, 2007;Alter et al, 1997aAlter et al, , 1997bMartinol et al, 1997a;Alter, 1996;Odeh et al, 2005;Ling et al, 1997;Simon et al, 1995;Moaven et al, 1998;Ather, 1997;Ramla and Al-Falehh, 1999;Praharaj et al, 2005;Forns et al, 1997;Noh et al, 1998;Hammad and Zaghloul, 2009;Nogueira et al, 2001;Tanka et al, 1998;Linnen et al, 1996;Tanaka et al, 1996a). HDV is a defective virus which needs the envelope of HBV to overcome its defect.…”

Hepatitis G and Erythropoietin Therapy in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

“…Despite screening of blood products for HCV and the wide use of erythropoietin, which reduces blood transfusion requirements, some patients still become infected with HCV during hemodialysis. Therefore nosocomial transmission of HCV within the hemodialysis units seems to be a factor currently involved in HCV transmission to these patients [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Recently two studies described presumed hepatitis agents that were designated HGV and GB virus C (GBV-C) [2, 3].…”

“…In recently published studies patients on hemodialysis have been shown to be at increased risk for HGV infection [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Although this virus seems to produce persistent infections, it has not been found to cause liver dysfunction.…”