The prevalence of hepaitis g virus among anti-HCV positive hemodialysis patients

HGV is an RNA virus within the Flaviviridae family whose presence was determined by molecular cloning techniques in 1995. The virus is common throughout the world and its mainly transmitted by parenteral routes. HGV infections are more frequent in unknown hepatitis cases, blood transfusion recipients, IV drug abusers and in hemodialysis patients. In this study, the prevalence of HGV was investigated in hemodialysis patients with Anti-HCV positive. To that end 100 Anti-HCV positive patients group was compared with control group consisting of 50 hemodialysis patients with Anti-HCV negative. In the present study, in order that the real HGV prevalence could be determined, HGV RNA and HGV Anti E2 antibody levels were evaluated together. In Anti-HCV positive group, HGV RNA and HGV Anti E2 rates were found to be 30% and 1% respectively. The real prevalence was determined as 31%. And in control group, the rates of HGV RNA and HGV Anti E2 were found as 12% and 2% respectively and the prevalence was determined as 14%. In Anti-HCV positive hemodialysis patient group the HGV prevalence was determined to be significantly higher with respect to Anti-HCV control group (P=0.040). In addition no significant relationship was determined between duration of hemodialysis, ALT levels and HGV prevalence with age (P>0.05).