Background: Recently the parenteral transmission of hepatitis G virus (HGV) has been shown. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of post-transfusion HGV.
Patients and methods: HGV (RNA-HGV and anti-HGVE2) were retrospectively studied in 140 transfused patients.
Results: 12 (8.6%) were infected after transfusion: 9 of 12 (75%) the RNA-HGV remained detectable after 6 months and 3 (25%) seroconverted to anti-HGVE2. No patient had post-transfusional hepatitis criteria. In 5 (42%) the transaminases levels were slightly increased. The clinical evolution was favourable. No significant differences were found between patients with or without HGV infection.
Conclusions: HGV is an agent associated with transfusion but it carries a low pathogenic capability.