High prevalence of hepatitis G virus after liver transplantation without apparent influence on long-term graft function.
OBJECTIVE
Hepatitis G virus is a recently characterized transfusion-transmissible RNA virus. Its pathogenicity remains to be established. We studied its prevalence in liver transplant patients and assessed the long-term influence on the liver graft.


METHODS
Thirty-nine adult patients without hepatitis B or C were included; median follow-up was 8 years (range 1-17). Serum samples from before and late after transplantation were investigated for the presence of HGV-RNA. HGV-RNA was detected by cDNA-PCR, using primers from the NS3 region of the viral genome. The latest available yearly liver biopsy was assessed in a coded fashion according to established histological criteria. The outcome in the HGV-positive patients was compared with the outcome in the HGV-negative patients with respect to liver tests and liver histology.


RESULTS
The prevalence before and after transplantation was 15.4 and 43.6%, respectively. Liver test results and liver histology did not differ between the HGV and non-HGV groups. In both groups more than 50% of the patients showed normal histology. Mild portal and/or lobular inflammation tended to be more prevalent in the non-HGV group (no statistical difference).


CONCLUSIONS
HGV infection is highly prevalent in liver transplant patients. In the absence of co-infection with hepatitis B or C virus, no long-term negative influence on the graft occurs.
Haagsma
E B
EB
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Cuypers
H T
HT
Gouw
A S
AS
Sjerps
M C
MC
Huizenga
J R
JR
Slooff
M J
MJ
Jansen
P L
PL
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018067:Flaviviridae / Q000235:genetics; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012367:RNA, Viral