Dynamics of SEN virus infection among injection drug users

J Infect Dis. 2001 Nov 15;184(10):1315-9. doi: 10.1086/324001. Epub 2001 Oct 2.

Abstract

SEN virus (SENV) is a recently discovered group of DNA viruses whose members (SENV-D and SENV-H) are linked to posttransfusion hepatitis. Of 397 injection drug users (IDUs) in Baltimore, Maryland, SENV-D infection was detected by polymerase chain reaction in serum samples from 130 (32.7%) and SENV-H infection in 149 (37.5%). Of 41 IDUs in whom SENV-D DNA was initially detected, retesting for viral persistence a median of 9.3 years later detected SENV-D in 25 (61.0%), whereas SENV-H was detected on retesting in only 14 (26.9%) of 52 IDUs in whom the virus was originally found. Reinfection was apparent (>5% nucleotide difference) in 77.8% of IDUs who repeatedly tested positive for SENV-D DNA and in 55.6% of those who repeatedly tested positive for SENV-H DNA. Among Baltimore IDUs, SENV-D and SENV-H infections are common and dynamic, including both viral clearance and reinfection. The clinical significance of SENV infection in this setting remains unknown.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Baltimore / epidemiology
  • Cohort Studies
  • DNA Virus Infections / epidemiology
  • DNA Virus Infections / physiopathology
  • DNA Virus Infections / virology*
  • DNA Viruses / classification
  • DNA Viruses / genetics
  • DNA Viruses / isolation & purification*
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Female
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / virology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Prevalence
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral