Evaluation of HGV Viremia Prevalence and Its Co-Infection with HBV, HCV, HIV and HTLV-l in Hemophilic Patients of Southern Khorassan, Iran

Background and Aims: The GB virus-C (GBV-C) and Hepatitis G virus (HGV), collectively known as GBV-C/HGV and transmitted through blood transfusion and blood components. A co-infection of HGV and HCV is often seen in patients with hemophilia. The paucity of information about rate of GBV-C infection among hemophilic patients in Iran promoted the current study. Methods: This study was performed on 80 hemophilic patients from south Khorassan branch of Iranian hemophilia society in Birjand. All 80 serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs-Ag), Anti HCV, Anti HIV, and Anti HTLV-l. All sera positive for HCVAb were retested by recombinant immunoblot assay as a complementary test. Also, Serum HCV-RNA, HCV genotyping and HGV-RNA were detected. Results: The prevalence of HGV-RNA was 5% (4 of 80). The prevalence of Anti HCV positive was 26.3% (21 of 80) and HCV- RNA was detected in 80% (17 of 21) of these patients. Co infection of HGV with HCV was 5%. HBsAg and Anti HIV were negative in all of our patients. Anti HTLV-l was detected in one patient (1.25%). Conclusions: HGV and HCV are prevalent in South Khorassan hemophilic patients. Prevalence of HGV infection is less than HCV but it is more prevalent than HBV, HIVand HTLV-l infection.