Prevalance of hepatitis G virus in hemodial ysis patients

Abstract

Objective: Recently, a new virus was identified and named hepatitis G virus. The aim of this study was to evaulate the prevalence of hepatitis G virus infection among hemodialysed patients in our population and its relation with hepatitis B and C viruses. Material and Methods: We studied 82 hemodialysed patients; 51.85% was females and 48.15% was males. Their mean age was 56.65 +/- 11.48 years. Average duration of hemodialysis was 2.08 +/- 0.69 years. HGV, HBV, HCV were detected by ELISA. Hepatitis markers, liver function tests and other blood tests were studied every month. Liver biopsy was not performed. Results: Twelve out of 82 patients were pozitive for HBV, 8 were pozitive for HCV and 7 were pozitive for HGV. There was no correlation of HGV with HBV and HCV infection. There was no significant correlation between HGV positivity and the duration of dialysis. Aminotransferase levels did not rise significantly in HGV positive patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, infection with G virus is common among dialysed patients. Hygiene and education are important for public health, and unnnecessary blood transfusions should be avoided. Hepatitis G virus induced liver disease does not lead to chronic disease.