SENV, a new, recently-identified human virus, has been considered a possible causative agent of non-A to E hepatitis. It is a single stranded, non-enveloped DNA virus classified within the Circoviridae family. Prevalence in different populations shows great variability with differences between countries and ethnic groups. Although parenteral route is an efficient way for virus transmission, other routes of transmission cannot be excluded. The effect of SENV on acute and chronic liver diseases has been studied. In spite of the fact that the prevalence of SENV is higher among patients with hepatic disorders, there is no evidence that SENV infection is able to cause acute hepatitis or to change the clinical course of hepatitis A, B or C. There is also no evidence that alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is higher or that the histological parameters are worse in patients with hepatic disorders co-infected with SENV as compared to patients without co-infections. Unlike chronic hepatitis B Virus or Hepatitis C Virus infection, SENV infection has not been considered a risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, although it is clear that the prevalence of SENV is higher in blood transfusion recipients, there is no clear evidence that this virus is the causative agent of post-transfusion hepatitis. Further studies are needed to define the clinical importance of SENV infection.
SENV; Circoviridae; non-A to E hepatitis; post-transfusion hepatitis
