Work

Human pegivirus -1 (HPgV-1) RNA frequency and genotype distribution in pediatric oncology patients with febrile neutropenia

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • The frequency and impact of HPgV-1 in oncologic pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) have not yet been explored. • This study evaluated the prevalence of HPgV-1 RNA in pediatric patients with FN. • HPgV-1 RNA was detected in 23.3 % of the samples, with 26.7 % among FN patients and 20.0 % among those in treatment or remission. • Phylogenetic analysis revealed a predominance of HPgV-1 genotype 2. • Further investigation is necessary to understand the HPgV-1 impact in patients with neutropenia. Human Pegivirus-1, typically regarded as a commensal virus, exhibits high prevalence in humans. Its frequency and impact on oncologic pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia (FN), a frequent chemotherapy complication, remains unexplored. In this study, we assessed HPgV-1 RNA prevalence in pediatric patients experiencing FN. Blood samples were collected from 30 children, 15 presenting FN and 15 comprising a control group of either undergoing treatment or in remission. Overall, HPgV-1 RNA was detected in 23.3 % of samples (26.7 % among FN patients and 20.0 % among those under treatment or in remission). Phylogenetic analysis unveiled HPgV-1 genotype 2 predominance among these samples, the most prevalent strain circulating in Brazil. Our findings prompt crucial inquiries into the role of HPgV-1 RNA in FN: is it an incidental finding and if it can influences this clinical entity? Further investigation is imperative to elucidate HPgV-1 implications in vulnerable patients cohorts, potentially informing new approaches and understanding viral dynamics in immunocompromised populations.

Source: Virus Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199479