Abstract

 Background and Objectives

  The prevalence of GBV-C and HGV in blood donor populations in developd countries based on HGV RNA detection and anti-E₂ screening ranges from 1 to 5 and 3 to 14% respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate seroepidemiologic hepatitis G virus (HGV) in blood donors, haemodialysis patients, haemophiliacs, and β thalassemics with a history of liver disease by Elisa tecnique.

  Materials and Methods

  In this descriptive study, blood samples of 330 volunteer blood donors, 44 haemodialysis patients, 16 haemophiliacs, and 40 β major thalassemics with a history of liver disease were studied by Elisa technique for their seroepidemiologic status of hepatitis G virus and their past record of HGV infection. For data analysis, Chi-square, Fisher exact test, and SPSS version 11.5 were used.

 Results

  This study showed that out of 330 healthy blood donors 14(4.2%), out of 44 haemodialysis patients 10(22.7%), out of 16 haemophiliacs 5 (30.3%) and out of 40 β thalassemics 10 (25%) were positive for HGV-anti-E2. These data are significant evidence for HGV to be considered as a transfusion-transmitted infection. The prevalence of anti-HGV and anti-HCV (co-infection) was found to involve 10 (30.3%) of haemodialysis patients, 4 (28.6%) of haemophiliacs and 9 (23.7%) of β thalassemics. It was also found that 1 (8.3%) of haemodialysis patients, 1 (33.3%) of haemophiliacs, and 1 (50%) of β thalassemics were infected with anti-HGV and HBsAg co-infection.

 Conclusions

  The prevalence of HGV was high in multitransfused individuals including haemodialysis patients, haemophiliacs, and thalassaemics. Therefore, HGV was a transfusion-transmittable agent. Co-infection of anti-HGV with HCV was observed in viruses. It is recommended that further studies focus on evaluating sexual and vertical transmission routes so as to cast light on relatively high rate of HGV in donor population.

 Key words: HGV, Blood donors, Haemodialysis, Haemophilia, Beta thalassemia