EFFECT OF THE COMBINED INFECTION WITH HEPATITIS C&G VIRUSES ON THE LIVER

Abstract

Before the hepatitis C virus was identified in 1989 there was speculation about the existence of more than one blood born viral agent causing non A, non B hepatitis. Hepatitis G virus is a blood born agent whose mode of transmission tend to parallel those of hepatitis C virus. Approximately 7-10% of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection are also infected with hepatitis G virus. Hepatitis G virus can induce persistent infection. It has been associated with acute and chronic liver disease. The aim of this work is to study the effect of HGV on liver condition (As regard clinical picture, biochemical and pathological effect) in patients with HCV and whether combined infection (HGV+HCV) is more injurious to the liver or not. To fulfil the aim of the present study we studied a group of 50 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection every patient had been examined according to the following protocol: Complete history taking. Full medical examination. Laboratory investigations including: • Complete blood picture. • Urine and stool examination • Liver function test. • Detection of HCV antibodies by ELISA III • Detection of HCV RNA by PCR. • Detection of HGV RNA by RT-PCR.