1
|
Niederhauser C, Gowland P, Widmer N, Amar EL Dusouqui S, Mattle-Greminger M, Gottschalk J, Frey BM. Prevalence of Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Swiss Blood Donors 2018-2020. Viruses 2024; 16:744. [PMID: 38793625 PMCID: PMC11125967 DOI: 10.3390/v16050744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis in several European countries. It is acquired mainly by ingesting contaminated pork, but has also been reported to be transmitted through blood transfusion. Although most HEV infections, including those via blood products, are usually self-limiting, they may become chronic in immunocompromised persons. It is thus essential to identify HEV-infected blood donations to prevent transmission to vulnerable recipients. AIMS Prior to the decision whether to introduce HEV RNA screening for all Swiss blood donations, a 2-year nationwide prevalence study was conducted. METHODS All blood donations were screened in pools of 12-24 samples at five regional blood donation services, and HEV RNA-positive pools were subsequently resolved to the individual donation index donation (X). The viral load, HEV IgG and IgM serology, and HEV genotype were determined. Follow-up investigations were conducted on future control donations (X + 1) and previous archived donations of the donor (X - 1) where available. RESULTS Between October 2018 and September 2020, 541,349 blood donations were screened and 125 confirmed positive donations were identified (prevalence 1:4331 donations). At the time of blood donation, the HEV RNA-positive individuals were symptom-free. The median viral load was 554 IU/mL (range: 2.01-2,500,000 IU/mL). Men (88; 70%) were more frequently infected than women (37; 30%), as compared with the sex distribution in the Swiss donor population (57% male/43% female, p < 0.01). Of the 106 genotyped cases (85%), all belonged to genotype 3. Two HEV sub-genotypes predominated; 3h3 (formerly 3s) and 3c. The remaining sub-genotypes are all known to circulate in Europe. Five 3ra genotypes were identified, this being a variant associated with rabbits. In total, 85 (68%) X donations were negative for HEV IgM and IgG. The remaining 40 (32%) were positive for HEV IgG and/or IgM, and consistent with an active infection. We found no markers of previous HEV in 87 of the 89 available and analyzed archive samples (X - 1). Two donors were HEV IgG-positive in the X - 1 donation suggesting insufficient immunity to prevent HEV reinfection. Time of collection of the 90 (72%) analyzed X + 1 donations varied between 2.9 and 101.9 weeks (median of 35 weeks) after X donation. As expected, none of those tested were positive for HEV RNA. Most donors (89; 99%) were positive for anti-HEV lgG/lgM (i.e., seroconversion). HEV lgM-positivity (23; 26%) indicates an often-long persistence of lgM antibodies post-HEV infection. CONCLUSION The data collected during the first year of the study provided the basis for the decision to establish mandatory HEV RNA universal screening of all Swiss blood donations in minipools, a vital step in providing safer blood for all recipients, especially those who are immunosuppressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Niederhauser
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland; (P.G.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease, University of Berne, 3008 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Gowland
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland; (P.G.)
| | - Nadja Widmer
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland; (P.G.)
| | | | - Maja Mattle-Greminger
- Regional Blood Transfusion SRC, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.M.-G.); (J.G.); (B.M.F.)
| | - Jochen Gottschalk
- Regional Blood Transfusion SRC, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.M.-G.); (J.G.); (B.M.F.)
| | - Beat M. Frey
- Regional Blood Transfusion SRC, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.M.-G.); (J.G.); (B.M.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shata MTM, Hetta HF, Sharma Y, Sherman KE. Viral hepatitis in pregnancy. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:844-861. [PMID: 35748741 PMCID: PMC9541692 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is caused by a heterogenous group of viral agents representing a wide range of phylogenetic groups. Many viruses can involve the liver and cause liver injury but only a subset are delineated as 'hepatitis viruses' based upon their primary site of replication and tropism for hepatocytes which make up the bulk of the liver cell population. Since their discovery, beginning with the agent that caused serum hepatitis in the 1960s, the alphabetic designations have been utilized. To date, we have five hepatitis viruses, A through E, though it is postulated that others may exist. This chapter will focus on those viruses. Note that hepatitis D is included as a subset of hepatitis B, as it cannot exist without concurrent hepatitis B infection. Pregnancy has the potential to affect all aspects of these viral agents due to the unique immunologic and physiologic changes that occur during and after the gestational period. In this review, we will discuss the most common viral hepatitis and their effects during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Tarek M. Shata
- Division of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Helal F. Hetta
- Division of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineAssiut UniversityAssiutEgypt
| | - Yeshika Sharma
- Division of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Kenneth E. Sherman
- Division of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOhioUSA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gorris M, van der Lecq BM, van Erpecum KJ, de Bruijne J. Treatment for chronic hepatitis E virus infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:454-463. [PMID: 33301609 PMCID: PMC7898834 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus infection can cause chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients with significant chance of progressive fibrosis and possibly cirrhosis. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the efficacy and safety of the various treatment options for chronic hepatitis E. We performed a systematic literature search. The primary outcome measure was a sustained virological response (SVR). Secondary end points were rapid virological response (RVR), relapse rates, side effects and adverse events. Forty-four articles were included with a total of 582 patients. Reduction of immunosuppressive medication induced viral clearance in 55/174 (32%) of the patients. Meta-analysis of 395 patients showed a pooled SVR rate of 78% (95-CI 72%-84%) after ribavirin treatment. Twenty-five per cent of the patients obtained a RVR, whereas a relapse occurred in 18% of the patients. Anaemia during treatment led to dose reduction, use of erythropoietin and/or blood transfusion in 37% of the patients. A second treatment attempt with ribavirin led to a SVR in 39/51 (76%) of the patients. Pegylated interferon-alpha was administered to 13 patients and SVR was obtained in 85%. Two patients (15%) suffered from acute transplant rejection during treatment with interferon. In conclusion, reduction of immunosuppressive medication and treatment with ribavirin is safe, generally well tolerated and induced viral clearance in 32% and 78% of patients, respectively. Therefore, ribavirin should be considered as first treatment step for chronic hepatitis E. Treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha increases the risk of transplant rejection and should therefore be administered with great caution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myrte Gorris
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Bernice M. van der Lecq
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Karel J. van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Joep de Bruijne
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nicolini LA, Zappulo E, Viscoli C, Mikulska M. Management of chronic viral hepatitis in the hematological patient. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2018; 16:227-241. [PMID: 29415584 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2018.1438264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infection with HBV and HCV represents a growing challenge in the management of patients with hematological malignancies. Recently, hepatitis E (HEV) was recognized as an endemic infection in developed countries and as an emerging health problem in immunocompromised patients. Areas covered: We reviewed the current knowledge on the impact of chronic viral hepatitis in the hematological setting. Epidemiological features, screening strategies and indications for treatment and monitoring have been explored and commented. Expert commentary: Knowing patient's complete HBV serostatus is mandatory in order to choose between treatment, prophylaxis or a pre-emptive approach. Recent guidelines favor treatment with high barrier molecules in all patients with chronic HBV infection and long lasting prophylaxis with those with inactive or resolved one. With regard to HCV, the new direct-acting antiviral agents have been safely administered in the hematological setting. Their use as first-line single treatment in indolent lymphomas, and combined with chemotherapy in aggressive ones, should be considered. Due to the existing risk of chronic HEV infection in the immunocompromised, screening with serum HEV-RNA should be performed in case of signs and symptoms indicative of hepatitis. In the event of HEV infection, reduction of immunosuppression and, if not feasible or unsuccessful, ribavirin treatment should be prescribed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ambra Nicolini
- a Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Health Science (DISSAL), Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Emanuela Zappulo
- a Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Health Science (DISSAL), Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy.,b Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery , University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy
| | - Claudio Viscoli
- a Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Health Science (DISSAL), Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| | - Malgorzata Mikulska
- a Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Health Science (DISSAL), Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia , University of Genoa , Genoa , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The added value of hepatitis E diagnostics in determining causes of hepatitis in routine diagnostic settings in the Netherlands. Clin Microbiol Infect 2017; 23:667-671. [PMID: 28285979 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is endemic in Europe and an underdiagnosed and emerging (public) health issue. In recent years commercial enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) that detect antibodies to HEV more adequately, became available. We investigated the added value of this HEV serology in the diagnostic work flow to detect viral causes of recent hepatitis. METHODS During a 2-year period (May 2013 to May 2015), HEV serology was added to the hepatitis work flow, consisting of serological detection of hepatitis viruses A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Samples positive for HEV IgM were also analysed using PCR to detect HEV RNA. If positive, HEV sequencing was performed for genotyping purposes. RESULTS In 235 out of 2521 patients (9.3%), a viral cause for hepatitis was found. Recent HAV, HBV, HCV, EBV or CMV infections were serologically diagnosed in 3, 34, 10, 69 and 42 patients, respectively. Seventy-eight patients (3.1%) had a recent HEV infection. In 49 of them, sufficient HEV RNA was present for genotyping. All patients were infected with HEV genotype 3. CONCLUSIONS In our region, an HEV infection is the most frequently diagnosed viral cause for recent hepatitis. These results indicate that, in a country where HEV is endemic, serological HEV diagnostics should be added to the standard work-up for viral hepatitis.
Collapse
|
6
|
Hepatitis E Virus in Industrialized Countries: The Silent Threat. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:9838041. [PMID: 28070522 PMCID: PMC5192302 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9838041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Its presence in developing countries has been documented for decades. Developed countries were supposed to be virus-free and initially only imported cases were detected in those areas. However, sporadic and autochthonous cases of HEV infection have been identified and studies reveal that the virus is worldwide spread. Chronic hepatitis and multiple extrahepatic manifestations have also been associated with HEV. We review the data from European countries, where human, animal, and environmental data have been collected since the 90s. In Europe, autochthonous HEV strains were first detected in the late 90s and early 2000s. Since then, serological data have shown that the virus infects quite frequently the European population and that some species, such as pigs, wild boars, and deer, are reservoirs. HEV strains can be isolated from environmental samples and reach the food chain, as shown by the detection of the virus in mussels and in contaminated pork products as sausages or meat. All these data highlight the need of studies directed to control the sources of HEV to protect immunocompromised individuals that seem the weakest link of the HEV epidemiology in industrialized regions.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sadik S, van Rijckevorsel GGC, van Rooijen MS, Sonder GJB, Bruisten SM. Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus differs in Dutch and first generation migrant populations in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:659. [PMID: 27825308 PMCID: PMC5101818 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-2007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the last decade hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly recognized as a cause of acute viral hepatitis in developed countries. HEV is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. In countries like the Netherlands, HEV infection is suspected to be a zoonosis but HEV may also be introduced by migrants. We studied the seroprevalence of HEV among different migrants, mainly Moroccans and Turks, and compared this to that of the native Dutch population in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Methods Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of the adult Amsterdam population performed in 2004; the Amsterdam Health Monitor. A total of 1199 plasma samples were tested for IgG-and IgM antibodies to HEV using the Wantai kit according to instructions of the manufacturer. Basic demographic data (gender, age, country of birth, and age at immigration) were used in the analyses. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) serology data were available from a previous study. Results The total weighted anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in the overall Amsterdam population was 26.7 %, based on 1199 samples. In the study population (not-weighted) this HEV seroprevalence was 157/426 (36.9 %) for the Dutch participants and it was 161/257 (62.6 %) for Moroccans, 99/296 (33.4 %) for Turks and 42/220 (19.1 %) for other ethnicities. HEV seroprevalence increased significantly with age. First-generation Moroccan migrants (44.0 %) had a significantly higher weighted HEV seroprevalence than the Dutch participants (29.7 %). In the first generation Turks (20.3 %) and first generation migrants from other countries (16.7 %) this weighted seroprevalence was lower, but this was only significant for the ‘other ethnicities’. The median age of migration was significantly higher in the Moroccan and Turkish migrants who were HEV IgG positive versus HEV IgG negative. However, when stratifying for age at time of study, median migration age was only significantly different for HEV sero-status for younger Turks and younger ‘other ethnicities’. HEV IgM antibodies were found in 0.6 % (n = 7) of participants and none were positive for HEV RNA, showing that there were no acute infections. Despite the common route of fecal-oral transmission for both viruses, there was no relation between HEV and HAV seropositivity. Conclusion Within the multi-ethnical capital city of Amsterdam the HEV seroprevalence in first generation migrant populations differed from each other and from the autochthonous Dutch population. The relation between being HEV seropositive and a higher median age of migration suggests that younger migrants got more often infected in their country of origin than in the Netherlands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Sadik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G G C van Rijckevorsel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - M S van Rooijen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G J B Sonder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Academic Medical Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S M Bruisten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018, WT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Academic Medical Centre, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tholen ATR, Schinkel J, Molenkamp R, Ang CW. Hepatitis E virus as a Cause of Acute Hepatitis in The Netherlands. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146906. [PMID: 26840767 PMCID: PMC4739710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies indicate that 27% of Dutch blood donors have evidence of past infection with HEV. However, the low number of diagnosed HEV infections indicates either an asymptomatic course or under diagnosis. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether HEV is a cause of acute hepatitis in Dutch patients and which diagnostic modality (serology or PCR) should be used for optimal detection. STUDY DESIGN Serum samples were retrospectively selected from non-severely immuno-compromised patients from a university hospital population, suspected of having an infectious hepatitis. Criteria were: elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT> 34 U/l) and request for antibody testing for CMV, EBV or Hepatitis A (HAV). RESULTS All samples were tested for HEV using ELISA and PCR. Ninety patients/sera were tested, of which 22% were HEV IgG positive. Only one serum was IgM positive. HEV PCR was positive in two patients: one patient was both HEV IgM and IgG positive, the other patient was only IgG positive. Both HEV RNA positive samples belonged to genotype 3. Evidence of recent infection with CMV, EBV and HAV was found in 13%, 10% and 3% respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although our study is limited by small numbers, we conclude that HEV is a cause of acute hepatitis in hospital associated patients in The Netherlands. Moreover, in our study population the prevalence of acute HAV (3%) was almost similar to acute HEV (2%). We propose to incorporate HEV testing in panels for acute infectious hepatitis. Negative results obtained for HEV IgM in a HEV PCR positive patient, indicates that antibody testing alone may not be sufficient and argues for PCR as a primary diagnostic tool in hospital associated patients. The high percentage of HEV IgG seropositivity confirms earlier epidemiological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aletta T. R. Tholen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janke Schinkel
- Section of Clinical Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Molenkamp
- Section of Clinical Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C. Wim Ang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li TC, Yoshizaki S, Yang T, Kataoka M, Nakamura T, Ami Y, Yuriko S, Takeda N, Wakita T. Production of infectious ferret hepatitis E virus in a human hepatocarcinoma cell line PLC/PRF/5. Virus Res 2016; 213:283-288. [PMID: 26763355 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A strain of ferret hepatitis E virus (HEV), sF4370, isolated from an imported ferret was used to inoculate a human hepatocarcinoma cell line, PLC/PRF/5. The virus genome and capsid protein were detected in the cell culture supernatant. Immunofluorescence microscopy indicated that the capsid protein was located in the cytoplasm. The virus particles were purified from the culture supernatant by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. The capsid protein with molecular mass of ∼72 kDa was detected in fractions with density of 1.150-1.162 g/cm(3), and particles of ferret HEV was associated with cell membrane. The virus recovered from the supernatant was serially passaged with PLC/PRF/5 cells and had the ability to infect ferrets by oral inoculation, indicating that the ferret HEV grown in PLC/PRF/5 was infectious. The establishment of ferret HEV cell culture system might be useful to understand the life cycle, mechanism of infection and replication of ferret HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Cheng Li
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Gakuen 4-7-1, Musashi-murayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan.
| | - Sayaka Yoshizaki
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Gakuen 4-7-1, Musashi-murayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Jiangsu Road 16, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Michiyo Kataoka
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Gakuen 4-7-1, Musashi-murayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Nakamura
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Gakuen 4-7-1, Musashi-murayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ami
- Division of Experimental Animals Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Gakuen 4-7-1, Musashi-murayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Suzaki Yuriko
- Division of Experimental Animals Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Gakuen 4-7-1, Musashi-murayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Naokazu Takeda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0781, Japan
| | - Takaji Wakita
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Gakuen 4-7-1, Musashi-murayama, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nijskens CM, Pas SD, Cornelissen J, Caliskan K, Hoek RA, Hesselink DA, van der Eijk AA, de Man RA. Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 infection in a tertiary referral center in the Netherlands: Clinical relevance and impact on patient morbidity. J Clin Virol 2016; 74:82-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2015.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
11
|
Kokki I, Smith D, Simmonds P, Ramalingam S, Wellington L, Willocks L, Johannessen I, Harvala H. Hepatitis E virus is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in Lothian, Scotland. New Microbes New Infect 2015; 10:6-12. [PMID: 26904201 PMCID: PMC4726789 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute viral hepatitis affects all ages worldwide. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly recognized as a major cause of acute hepatitis in Europe. Because knowledge of its characteristics is limited, we conducted a retrospective study to outline demographic and clinical features of acute HEV in comparison to hepatitis A, B and C in Lothian over 28 months (January 2012 to April 2014). A total of 3204 blood samples from patients with suspected acute hepatitis were screened for hepatitis A, B and C virus; 913 of these samples were also screened for HEV. Demographic and clinical information on patients with positive samples was gathered from electronic patient records. Confirmed HEV samples were genotyped. Of 82 patients with confirmed viral hepatitis, 48 (59%) had acute HEV. These patients were older than those infected by hepatitis A, B or C viruses, were more often male and typically presented with jaundice, nausea, vomiting and/or malaise. Most HEV cases (70%) had eaten pork or game meat in the few months before infection, and 14 HEV patients (29%) had a recent history of foreign travel. The majority of samples were HEV genotype 3 (27/30, 90%); three were genotype 1. Acute HEV infection is currently the predominant cause of acute viral hepatitis in Lothian and presents clinically in older men. Most of these infections are autochthonous, and further studies confirming the sources of infection (i.e. food or blood transfusion) are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Kokki
- Specialist Virology Laboratory, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Smith
- CIIE, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P Simmonds
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Ramalingam
- Specialist Virology Laboratory, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - L Wellington
- Public Health and Health Policy and NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - L Willocks
- Public Health and Health Policy and NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - I Johannessen
- Specialist Virology Laboratory, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - H Harvala
- Specialist Virology Laboratory, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden; European Programme for Public Health Microbiology Training (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lapa D, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR. Epidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus in European Countries. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:25711-43. [PMID: 26516843 PMCID: PMC4632823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161025711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin (IgG) anti hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been increasing in European countries and shows significant variability among different geographical areas. In this review, we describe the serological data concerning the general population and risk groups in different European countries. Anti-HEV antibody prevalence ranged from 1.3% (blood donors in Italy) to 52% (blood donors in France). Various studies performed on risk groups in Denmark, Moldova and Sweden revealed that swine farmers have a high seroprevalence of HEV IgG (range 13%-51.1%), confirming that pigs represent an important risk factor in HEV infection in humans. Subtypes 3e,f are the main genotypes detected in the European population. Sporadic cases of autochthonous genotype 4 have been described in Spain, France, and Italy. Although most HEV infections are subclinical, in immune-suppressed and transplant patients they could provoke chronic infection. Fulminant hepatitis has rarely been observed and it was related to genotype 3. Interferon and ribavirin treatment was seen to represent the most promising therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy.
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy.
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
van der Eijk AA, Pas SD, Cornelissen JJ, de Man RA. Hepatitis E virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2015; 27:309-15. [PMID: 24977683 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplantations are at risk of acquiring acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, leading to chronicity. We review the incidence, sequela, extrahepatic manifestations, and treatment of hepatitis due to HEV infection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) recipients. RECENT FINDINGS HEV infection and progression to chronic HEV in alloHSCT recipients are recently described. Misdiagnosis of HEV in alloHSCT recipients occurs, with liver enzyme abnormalities often attributed to hepatic graft-versus-host disease or drug-induced liver injury. HEV infection may occur in HSCT donors and emphasizes the need for HEV screening not only after HSCT, but also in donors presenting with liver function disturbances. The discussion about HEV screening of blood products will continue. Extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis E are described. SUMMARY HEV RNA screening in alloHSCT recipients with elevated liver enzymes is advised. Intervention strategies should be considered in cases of acute or chronic HEV infection. The first-line approach includes reduction of immunosuppressive medication. Oral ribavirin is in experienced hands a reasonable well tolerated treatment option, although the optimal dose, duration, and quantitative goals of ribavirin treatment are still unknown. Further studies are needed to improve our understanding of HEV, including extrahepatic manifestations and evaluation of therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annemiek A van der Eijk
- aDepartment of Viroscience bDepartment of Hematology cDepartment of Hepatogastroenterology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Smith DB, Ijaz S, Tedder RS, Hogema B, Zaaijer HL, Izopet J, Bradley-Stewart A, Gunson R, Harvala H, Kokki I, Simmonds P. Variability and pathogenicity of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 variants. J Gen Virol 2015; 96:3255-3264. [PMID: 26282123 PMCID: PMC4806580 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) can be clinically inapparent or produce symptoms and signs of hepatitis of varying severity and occasional fatality. This variability in clinical outcomes may reflect differences in host susceptibility or the presence of virally encoded determinants of pathogenicity. Analysis of complete genome sequences supports the division of HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) variants into three major clades: 3ra comprising HEV isolates from rabbits, and 3efg and 3abchij comprising the corresponding named subtypes derived from humans and pigs. Using this framework, we investigated associations between viral genetic variability of HEV-3 in symptomatic and asymptomatic infections by comparing HEV-3 subgenomic sequences previously obtained from blood donors with those from patients presenting with hepatitis in the UK (54 blood donors, 148 hepatitis patients), the Netherlands (38 blood donors, 119 hepatitis patients), France (24 blood donors, 55 hepatitis patients) and Germany (14 blood donors, 36 hepatitis patients). In none of these countries was evidence found for a significant association between virus variants and patient group (P>0.05 Fisher's exact test). Furthermore, within a group of 123 patients in Scotland with clinically apparent HEV infections, we found no evidence for an association between variants of HEV-3 and disease severity or alanine aminotransferase level. The lack of detectable virally encoded determinants of disease outcomes in HEV-3 infection implies a more important role for host factors in its clinical phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Smith
- University of Edinburgh, CIIE, Ashworth Laboratories, King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, MS-Colindale, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Richard S Tedder
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, MS-Colindale, Public Health England, London NW9 5EQ, UK.,University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Boris Hogema
- Department of Blood-borne Infections, Sanquin Research, PO Box 9190, 1006 AD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans L Zaaijer
- Department of Blood-borne Infections, Sanquin Research, PO Box 9190, 1006 AD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale Unite 1043, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Rory Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, New Lister Building, Glasgow, UK
| | - Heli Harvala
- Specialist Virology Centre, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK.,Public Health Agency of Sweden (previously Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control), Solna, Sweden.,European Programme for Public Health Microbiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Inka Kokki
- Specialist Virology Centre, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter Simmonds
- University of Edinburgh, Roslin Institute, Easter Bush, Edinburgh EH25 9RG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fischer C, Hofmann M, Danzer M, Hofer K, Kaar J, Gabriel C. Seroprevalence and Incidence of hepatitis E in blood donors in Upper Austria. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119576. [PMID: 25751574 PMCID: PMC4353625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years various studies showed, that hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a growing public health problem in many developed countries. Therefore, HEV infections might bear a transmission risk by blood transfusions. The clinical relevance still requires further investigations. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of acute HEV infections in Upper Austrian blood donors as well as a risk estimation of this transfusion-related infection. METHODS AND FINDINGS A total of 58,915 blood donors were tested for HEV RNA using a commercial HEV RT-PCR Kit. 7 of these donors (0.01%) were PCR-positive with normal laboratory parameters in absence of clinical signs of hepatitis. Viral load determined by quantitative real-time PCR showed a HEV nucleic acid concentration of 2,217 293,635 IU/ml. At follow-up testing (2-11 weeks after donation) all blood donors had negative HEV RNA results. Additionally, genotyping was performed by amplification and sequencing of the ORF1 or ORF2 region of the HEV genome. All HEV RNA positive donor samples revealed a genotype 3 isolate. For the antibody screening, anti-HEV IgM and IgG were detected by ELISA. Follow up serological testing revealed that no donor was seropositive for HEV IgM or IgG antibodies at time of donation. Moreover, we verified the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG in 1,203 of the HEV RNA negative tested blood donors. Overall 13.55% showed positive results for anti-HEV IgG. CONCLUSIONS In the presented study, we investigated HEV infections in blood donations of Upper Austria over 1 year. We concluded that 1 out of 8,416 blood donations is HEV RNA positive. Seroprevalence of anti HEV IgG results in an age-related increase of 13.55%. Therefore, based on this data, we recommend HEV-PCR screening to prevent transmission of hepatitis E virus by transfusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Fischer
- Red Cross Transfusion Service for Upper Austria, Linz, Austria
| | - Martina Hofmann
- Red Cross Transfusion Service for Upper Austria, Linz, Austria
| | - Martin Danzer
- Red Cross Transfusion Service for Upper Austria, Linz, Austria
| | - Katja Hofer
- Red Cross Transfusion Service for Upper Austria, Linz, Austria
| | - Jennifer Kaar
- Red Cross Transfusion Service for Upper Austria, Linz, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Koot H, Hogema B, Koot M, Molier M, Zaaijer H. Frequent hepatitis E in the Netherlands without traveling or immunosuppression. J Clin Virol 2015; 62:38-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2014.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
17
|
Abstract
For many years, hepatitis E was considered a disease found only in certain developing countries. In these geographical settings, hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes a self-limiting hepatitis in young adults, except in pregnant females, in whom the mortality is 25 %. Our understanding of HEV has changed radically in the past decade. It is now evident that HEV is a threat to global health. This review article considers the current concepts and future perspectives of HEV and its effects on human health, with particular reference to developed countries.
Collapse
|