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Treagus S, Lowther J, Longdon B, Gaze W, Baker-Austin C, Ryder D, Batista FM. Metabarcoding of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 and Norovirus GII from Wastewater Samples in England Using Nanopore Sequencing. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2023; 15:292-306. [PMID: 37910379 PMCID: PMC7615314 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09569-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Norovirus is one of the largest causes of gastroenteritis worldwide, and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging pathogen that has become the most dominant cause of acute viral hepatitis in recent years. The presence of norovirus and HEV has been reported within wastewater in many countries previously. Here we used amplicon deep sequencing (metabarcoding) to identify norovirus and HEV strains in wastewater samples from England collected in 2019 and 2020. For HEV, we sequenced a fragment of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene targeting genotype three strains. For norovirus, we sequenced the 5' portion of the major capsid protein gene (VP1) of genogroup II strains. Sequencing of the wastewater samples revealed eight different genotypes of norovirus GII (GII.2, GII.3, GII.4, GII.6, GII.7, GII.9, GII.13 and GII.17). Genotypes GII.3 and GII.4 were the most commonly found. The HEV metabarcoding assay was able to identify HEV genotype 3 strains in some samples with a very low viral concentration determined by RT-qPCR. Analysis showed that most HEV strains found in influent wastewater were typed as G3c and G3e and were likely to have originated from humans or swine. However, the small size of the HEV nested PCR amplicon could cause issues with typing, and so this method is more appropriate for samples with high CTs where methods targeting longer genomic regions are unlikely to be successful. This is the first report of HEV RNA in wastewater in England. This study demonstrates the utility of wastewater sequencing and the need for wider surveillance of norovirus and HEV within host species and environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Treagus
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, UK.
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK.
- UK Health Security Agency, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, SP4 0JG, Wiltshire, UK.
| | - James Lowther
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, UK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK
| | - William Gaze
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK
| | | | - David Ryder
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Weymouth, UK
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Turlewicz-Podbielska H, Augustyniak A, Wojciechowski J, Pomorska-Mól M. Hepatitis E Virus in Livestock-Update on Its Epidemiology and Risk of Infection to Humans. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3239. [PMID: 37893962 PMCID: PMC10603682 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health problem worldwide and an important food pathogen known for its zoonotic potential. Increasing numbers of infection cases with human HEV are caused by the zoonotic transmission of genotypes 3 and 4, mainly by consuming contaminated, undercooked or raw porcine meat. Pigs are the main reservoir of HEV. However, it should be noted that other animal species, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and rabbits, may also be a source of infection for humans. Due to the detection of HEV RNA in the milk and tissues of cattle, the consumption of infected uncooked milk and meat or offal from these species also poses a potential risk of zoonotic HEV infections. Poultry infected by avian HEV may also develop symptomatic disease, although avian HEV is not considered a zoonotic pathogen. HEV infection has a worldwide distribution with different prevalence rates depending on the affected animal species, sampling region, or breeding system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Turlewicz-Podbielska
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (H.T.-P.); (A.A.)
| | - Agata Augustyniak
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (H.T.-P.); (A.A.)
| | | | - Małgorzata Pomorska-Mól
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wolynska 35, 60-637 Poznan, Poland; (H.T.-P.); (A.A.)
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3
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La Bella G, Basanisi MG, Nobili G, Coppola R, Damato AM, Donatiello A, Occhiochiuso G, Romano AC, Toce M, Palazzo L, Pellegrini F, Fanelli A, Di Martino B, Suffredini E, Lanave G, Martella V, La Salandra G. Evidence of Circulation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Wild Boar in South-East Italy. Viruses 2023; 15:2021. [PMID: 37896798 PMCID: PMC10611066 DOI: 10.3390/v15102021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans worldwide. The food-borne transmission of HEV appears to be a major route in Europe through the consumption of pork and wild boar meat. HEV epidemiology in wild boars has been investigated mainly in Northern and Central Italian regions, whilst information from Southern Italy is limited. We investigated the occurrence of HEV in wild boar in the Apulia and Basilicata regions (Southern Italy). Thirteen (10.4%) out of one hundred and twenty-five wild boar samples tested positive for HEV using a quantitative reverse transcription PCR. HEV prevalence was 12% in Apulia and 9.3% in Basilicata. Seven samples were genotyped, and different subtypes (c, f, m) of genotype 3 were identified. The complete genome of a 3m strain was determined, and the virus showed the highest nucleotide identity to a human HEV strain identified in France in 2017. These findings demonstrate the substantial circulation of HEV in the wild boar population in Italian Southern regions. Gathering information on the HEV strains circulating in different geographical areas is useful for tracking the origin of HEV outbreaks and assessing the epidemiological role of wild boar as a potential virus reservoir for domestic pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco La Bella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Basanisi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gaia Nobili
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Rosa Coppola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Annita Maria Damato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Adelia Donatiello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gilda Occhiochiuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Mariateresa Toce
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Lucia Palazzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Pellegrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna La Salandra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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4
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Sugiyama R, Takahara O, Yahata Y, Kanou K, Nagashima M, Kiyohara T, Li TC, Arima Y, Shinomiya H, Ishii K, Muramatsu M, Suzuki R. Nationwide epidemiologic and genetic surveillance of hepatitis E in Japan, 2014-2021. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28886. [PMID: 37350032 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging causative agent of acute hepatitis. To clarify the epidemiology of HEV and characterize the genetic diversity of the virus in Japan, nationwide enhanced surveillance and molecular characterization studies of HEV in Japan were undertaken from 2014 to 2021. In total, 2770 hepatitis E cases were reported, of which 88% were domestic cases, while only 4.1% represented cases following infection abroad. In addition, 57% of domestic infections occurred in males aged in their 40s-70s. For domestic cases, infection via pork meat consumption continued to be the most reported route. Analysis of the 324 sequences detected between 2016 and 2021 showed that the majority of domestic HEV strains belong to Genotype 3a (G3a) and G3b. In contrast, six of eight cases of G1 HEV reflected infection abroad. Our results suggest that HEV is circulating widely in Japan, with genotypes G3a and G3b being most prevalent. Continued surveillance is necessary to monitor future trends and changes in the epidemiology of HEV in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Sugiyama
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Takahara
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Yahata
- Center for Field Epidemic Intelligence, Research and Professional Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kanou
- Center for Field Epidemic Intelligence, Research and Professional Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Quality Assurance, Radiation Safety, and Information Management, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mami Nagashima
- Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kiyohara
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tian-Cheng Li
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuzo Arima
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Shinomiya
- Ehime Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Science, Ehime, Japan
| | - Koji Ishii
- Department of Quality Assurance, Radiation Safety, and Information Management, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamichi Muramatsu
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Suzuki
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
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5
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Animal reservoirs for hepatitis E virus within the Paslahepevirus genus. Vet Microbiol 2023; 278:109618. [PMID: 36640568 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for acute hepatitis in humans. It is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus that belongs to the Hepeviridae family. The majority of concerning HEV genotypes belong to the Paslahepevirus genus and are subsequently divided into eight genotypes. HEV genotypes 1 and 2 exclusively infect humans and primates while genotypes 3 and 4 infect both humans and other mammals. Whereas HEV genotypes 5 and 6 are isolated from wild boars and genotypes 7 and 8 were identified from camels in the United Arab Emirates and China, respectively. HEV mainly spreads from humans to humans via the fecal-oral route. However, some genotypes with the capability of zoonotic transmissions, such as 3 and 4 transmit from animals to humans through feces, direct contact, and ingestion of contaminated meat products. As we further continue to uncover novel HEV strains in various animal species, it is becoming clear that HEV has a broad host range. Therefore, understanding the potential animal reservoirs for this virus will allow for better risk management and risk mitigation of infection with HEV. In this review, we mainly focused on animal reservoirs for the members of the species Paslahepevirus balayani and provided a comprehensive list of the host animals identified to date.
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Harvala H, Reynolds C, Brailsford S, Davison K. Fulminant Transfusion-Associated Hepatitis E Virus Infection Despite Screening, England, 2016-2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1805-1813. [PMID: 35997399 PMCID: PMC9423923 DOI: 10.3201/eid2809.220487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In England, all blood donations are screened in pools of 24 by nucleic acid test (NAT) for hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA. During 2016-2020, this screening successfully identified and intercepted 1,727 RNA-positive donations. However, review of previous donations from infected platelet donors identified 9 donations in which HEV RNA detection was missed, of which 2 resulted in confirmed transmission: 1 infection resolved with ribavirin treatment, and 1 proceeded to fatal multiorgan failure within a month from infection. Residual risk calculations predict that over the 5-year study period, HEV RNA detection was missed by minipool NAT in 12-23 platelet and 177-354 whole-blood donations, but transmission risk remains undetermined. Although screening has been able to largely eliminate infectious HEV from the blood supply in England, missed detection of low levels of HEV RNA in donated blood can lead to a severe, even fulminant, infection in recipients and could be prevented by more sensitive screening.
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Schemmerer M, Wenzel JJ, Stark K, Faber M. Molecular epidemiology and genotype-specific disease severity of hepatitis E virus infections in Germany, 2010-2019. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1754-1763. [PMID: 35713010 PMCID: PMC9295818 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2091479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in Europe. Genotype 3 (HEV-3) is predominant but information on subtype distribution, trends and clinical implications in Germany is scarce. We analysed 936 HEV RNA positive samples of human origin and corresponding national surveillance data from 2010 to 2019. Samples were referred to the National Consultant Laboratory and sequenced in at least one of four genomic regions. Sequences were analysed using bioinformatics methods and compared to the latest HEV reference set. 1,656 sequences were obtained from 300 female, 611 male and 25 of unknown sex aged 3–92 years (median 55 years). HEV-3c was predominant (67.3%) followed by HEV-3f, HEV-3e and HEV-3i(-like) with 14.3%, 9.7% and 4.0% (other subtypes ≤1.1%). The proportion of HEV-3 group 2 (3abchijklm) strains increased over time. Jaundice, upper abdominal pain, fever, hospitalization, and death due to HEV were significantly more often reported for patients infected with HEV-3 group 1 (3efg) compared to group 2. Larger spatio-temporal clusters of identical sequences were not observed. HEV-3 group 1 infections are more severe as compared to the predominant group 2. Detection of group 2 strains increased over the last years, possibly due to more frequent diagnosis of asymptomatic and mild courses. The diversity of strains and the space–time distribution is compatible with a foodborne zoonosis with supra-regional distribution of the infection vehicle (pork products).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schemmerer
- National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen J Wenzel
- National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Stark
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirko Faber
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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8
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Muñoz-Chimeno M, Bartúren S, García-Lugo MA, Morago L, Rodríguez Á, Galán JC, Pérez-Rivilla A, Rodríguez M, Millán R, Del Álamo M, Alonso R, Molina L, Aguinaga A, Avellón A. Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 microbiological surveillance by the Spanish Reference Laboratory: geographic distribution and phylogenetic analysis of subtypes from 2009 to 2019. EURO SURVEILLANCE : BULLETIN EUROPEEN SUR LES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES = EUROPEAN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BULLETIN 2022; 27. [PMID: 35686567 PMCID: PMC9198656 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.23.2100542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) is widely distributed throughout Europe, with incidence of infections increasing in many countries. Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have reported the distribution of HEV-3 subtypes in cohorts of patients with hepatic disease. Aim To describe the distribution of the HEV-3 subtypes in Spain at national and autonomous community (AC) levels between 2009 and 2019. The study was also extended to Andorra. Methods Of 5,197 samples received by the National Reference Laboratory during the study, 409 were HEV-RNA-positive. Among these, 294 (71.9%) were further typed based on an ORF2 sequence fragment, or, for a subset of 74, based on the full-coding genome sequence. Results HEV-3 was detected in 291 samples. The dominant subtype in Spain was HEV-3f (88.3%; 257/291), which occurred in all ACs, with no change in detection level over time. Within this subtype, three subclusters were characterised: HEV-3f-B, HEV-3f-A1 and HEV-3f-A2. The second most common HEV subtype was the recently described HEV-3m (7%; 21/291), with two subclusters identified: HEV-3m-A, which has been known since 2010, and HEV-3m-B, since 2014. The third most encountered subtype was HEV-3c (4.1%; 12/291), with a frequency not increasing over time, unlike observations in some European countries. Conclusion The importance of the surveillance of HEV-3 subtype and subcluster circulation is yet to be assessed. This surveillance together with the comprehensive epidemiological characterisation of clinical cases, could support the identification of sources of transmission and the establishment of control measures nationally and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milagros Muñoz-Chimeno
- Hepatitis Unit, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Bartúren
- Hepatitis Unit, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lucia Morago
- Hepatitis Unit, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Rodríguez
- Hepatitis Unit, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Galán
- CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Mercedes Rodríguez
- Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Grupo de Microbiología Traslacional (ISPA) Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Rosario Millán
- Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Roberto Alonso
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Molina
- Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Avellón
- CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Hepatitis Unit, National Centre of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Sorensen JPR, Aldous P, Bunting SY, McNally S, Townsend BR, Barnett MJ, Harding T, La Ragione RM, Stuart ME, Tipper HJ, Pedley S. Seasonality of enteric viruses in groundwater-derived public water sources. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 207:117813. [PMID: 34785409 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the seasonal prevalence of seven enteric viruses in groundwater-derived public water sources distributed across the dominant aquifers of England. Sampling targeted four periods in the hydrological cycle with typically varying microbial risks, as indicated using a decade of Escherichia coli prevalence data. Viruses were concentrated onsite by filtration of raw groundwater, and extracted nucleic acid (NA) was amplified by qPCR or RT-qPCR. Seven out of eight sources, all aquifers, and 31% of samples were positive for viral NA. The most frequently detected viral NA targets were Hepatitis A virus (17% samples, 63% sites), norovirus GI (14% samples, 38% sites), and Hepatitis E virus (7% samples, 25% sites). Viral NA presence was episodic, being most prevalent and at its highest concentration during November and January, the main groundwater recharge season, with 89% of all positive detects occurring during a rising water table. Seasonal norovirus NA detections matched its seasonal incidence within the population. Viral NA is arriving with groundwater recharge, as opposed to persisting for long-periods within the saturated zone. Neither total coliforms nor E. coli were significant predictors of viral NA presence-absence, and there was limited co-occurrence between viruses. Nevertheless, a source with an absence of E. coli in regularly collected historical data is unlikely to be at risk of viral contamination. To manage potential groundwater viral contamination via risk assessment, larger scale studies are required to understand key risk factors, with the evidence here suggesting viral NA is widespread across a range of typical microbial risk settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phil Aldous
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK; AECOM, Alencon Link, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 7PP, UK
| | - Sarah Y Bunting
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Susan McNally
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Barry R Townsend
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Megan J Barnett
- British Geological Survey, Environmental Science Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Tessa Harding
- Thomson Environmental Consultants, Compass House, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7AG, UK
| | - Roberto M La Ragione
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK
| | - Marianne E Stuart
- British Geological Survey, Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Holly J Tipper
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), Maclean Building, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Steve Pedley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
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10
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Yu S, Rui J, Cheng X, Zhao Z, Liu C, Lin S, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Xu J, Yang M, Liu X, Wang M, Lei Z, Zhao B, Zhao Q, Zhang X, Chen T. Hepatitis E in 24 Chinese Cities, 2008-2018: A New Analysis Method for the Disease's Occupational Characteristics. Front Public Health 2021; 9:720953. [PMID: 34650949 PMCID: PMC8506125 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.720953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The disease burden of hepatitis E remains high. We used a new method (richness, diversity, evenness, and similarity analyses) to classify cities according to the occupational classification of hepatitis E patients across regions in China and compared the results of cluster analysis. Methods: Data on reported hepatitis E cases from 2008 to 2018 were collected from 24 cities (9 in Jilin Province, 13 in Jiangsu Province, Xiamen City, and Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture). Traditional statistical methods were used to describe the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E patients, while the new method and cluster analysis were used to classify the cities by analyzing the occupational composition across regions. Results: The prevalence of hepatitis E in eastern China (Jiangsu Province) was similar to that in the south (Xiamen City) and southwest of China (Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture), but higher than that in the north (Jilin Province). The age of hepatitis E patients was concentrated between 41 and 60 years, and the sex ratio ranged from 1:1.6 to 1:3.4. Farming was the most highly prevalent occupation; other sub-prevalent occupations included retirement, housework and unemployment. The incidence of occupations among migrant workers, medical staff, teachers, and students was moderate. There were several occupational types with few or no records, such as catering industry, caregivers and babysitters, diaspora children, childcare, herders, and fishing (boat) people. The occupational similarity of hepatitis E was high among economically developed cities, such as Nanjing, Wuxi, Baicheng, and Xiamen, while the similarity was small among cities with large economic disparities, such as Nanjing and Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture. A comparison of the classification results revealed more similarities and some differences when using these two methods. Conclusion: In China, the factors with the greatest influence on the prevalence of hepatitis E are living in the south, farming as an occupation, being middle-aged or elderly, and being male. The 24 cities we studied were highly diverse and moderately similar in terms of the occupational distribution of patients with hepatitis E. We confirmed the validity of the new method on in classifying cities according to their occupational composition by comparing it with the clustering method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jia Rui
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoqing Cheng
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Zeyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shengnan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuanzhao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jingwen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Meng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xingchun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingzhai Wang
- Xiamen City Center for Disease Control, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhao Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Benhua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qinglong Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changchun, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianmu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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11
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Smith I, Said B, Vaughan A, Haywood B, Ijaz S, Reynolds C, Brailsford S, Russell K, Morgan D. Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Acquired Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Blood Donors, United Kingdom, 2018-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1654-1661. [PMID: 34013866 PMCID: PMC8153866 DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.203964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in England. Substantial yearly increases of autochthonous infections were observed during 2003–2016 and again during 2017–2019. Previous studies associated acute HEV cases with consumption of processed pork products, we investigated risk factors for autochthonous HEV infections in the blood donor population in England. Study participants were 117 HEV RNA–positive blood donors and 564 HEV RNA–negative blood donors. No persons with positive results were vegetarian; 97.4% of persons with positive results reported eating pork products. Consuming bacon (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.7–5.5; p<0.0001), cured pork meats (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.2–5.4; p<0.0001), and pigs’ liver (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0–8.3; p = 0.04) were significantly associated with HEV infection. Our findings confirm previous links to pork products and suggest that appropriate animal husbandry is essential to reduce the risk for HEV infection.
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12
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Hogema BM, Hakze-van der Honing RW, Molier M, Zaaijer HL, van der Poel WHM. Comparison of Hepatitis E Virus Sequences from Humans and Swine, the Netherlands, 1998-2015. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071265. [PMID: 34209729 PMCID: PMC8310231 DOI: 10.3390/v13071265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs are suspected to be a major source of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in industrialized countries, but the transmission route(s) from pigs to humans are ill-defined. Sequence comparison of HEV isolates from pigs with those from blood donors and patients in 372 samples collected in The Netherlands in 1998 and 1999 and between 2008 and 2015 showed that all sequences were genotype 3 except for six patients (with travel history). Subgenotype 3c (gt3c) was the most common subtype. While the proportion of gt3c increased significantly between 1998 and 2008, it remained constant between 2008 and 2015. Among the few circulating HEV subtypes, there was no difference observed between the human and the pig isolates. Hepatitis E viruses in humans are very likely to originate from pigs, but it is unclear why HEV gt3c has become the predominant subtype in The Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris M. Hogema
- Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.M.H.); (M.M.); (H.L.Z.)
| | | | - Michel Molier
- Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.M.H.); (M.M.); (H.L.Z.)
| | - Hans L. Zaaijer
- Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.M.H.); (M.M.); (H.L.Z.)
- Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Nicot F, Dimeglio C, Migueres M, Jeanne N, Latour J, Abravanel F, Ranger N, Harter A, Dubois M, Lameiras S, Baulande S, Chapuy-Regaud S, Kamar N, Lhomme S, Izopet J. Classification of the Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 Into Distinct Subgenotypes. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:634430. [PMID: 33584599 PMCID: PMC7875884 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.634430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is the most common genotype linked to HEV infections in Europe and America. Three major clades (HEV-3.1, HEV-3.2, and HEV-3.3) have been identified but the overlaps between intra-subtype and inter-subtype p-distances make subtype classification inconsistent. Reference sequences have been proposed to facilitate communication between researchers and new putative subtypes have been identified recently. We have used the full or near full-length HEV-3 genome sequences available in the Genbank database (April 2020; n = 503) and distance analyses of clades HEV-3.1 and HEV-3.2 to determine a p-distance cut-off (0.093 nt substitutions/site) in order to define subtypes. This could help to harmonize HEV-3 genotyping, facilitate molecular epidemiology studies and investigations of the biological and clinical differences between HEV-3 subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Nicot
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Chloé Dimeglio
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France
| | - Marion Migueres
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Jeanne
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Justine Latour
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Abravanel
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Noémie Ranger
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Agnès Harter
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Martine Dubois
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Sonia Lameiras
- Institut Curie Genomics of Excellence Platform, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Baulande
- Institut Curie Genomics of Excellence Platform, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Sabine Chapuy-Regaud
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Service de Néphrologie, Dialyse et Transplantation d'Organe, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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14
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Porea D, Anita A, Vata A, Teodor D, Crivei L, Raileanu C, Gotu V, Ratoi I, Cozma A, Anita D, Oslobanu L, Pavio N, Savuta G. Common European Origin of Hepatitis E Virus in Human Population From Eastern Romania. Front Public Health 2020; 8:578163. [PMID: 33392130 PMCID: PMC7773928 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.578163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to improve the epidemiological data on HEV infection in the human population in Romania. The analysis targeted hospitalized subjects with acute hepatitis (n = 94) of unknown etiology from the Infectious Diseases Regional Hospital in Iasi. Moreover, patients without liver disease (n = 40) from a different county hospital located in Eastern Romania were included. The presence of HEV infection and first characterization of human HEV strains was determined using serological and molecular assays. The apparent HEV seroprevalence varied between 29.16% (95% CI, 16.31–42.03) and 32.5% (95% CI, 17.98–47.02) according to patient grouping. Molecular analysis enhanced the detection of two HEV isolates, that clustered in subtype HEV-3c, the most commonly identified subtype in Europe. Identification of acute hepatitis E cases, together with the first detection and molecular characterization of human HEV in Romania represent the originality attributes of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Porea
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania.,Center for the Study of Transborder and Emergent Diseases and Zoonoses Department, Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, Tulcea, Romania
| | - Adriana Anita
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Andrei Vata
- "Sfanta Parascheva" Infectious Diseases Hospital of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Danut Teodor
- "Sfanta Parascheva" Infectious Diseases Hospital of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Luciana Crivei
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Cristian Raileanu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania.,Laboratory of Vector Capacity, Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Vasilica Gotu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases and Animal Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agronomical Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Ratoi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Andreea Cozma
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Dragos Anita
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Luanda Oslobanu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Nicole Pavio
- UMR Virologie 1161, ENVA, INRAE, Anses, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Gheorghe Savuta
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Iasi, Iaşi, Romania
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15
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Suin V, Klamer SE, Hutse V, Wautier M, Jacques M, Abady M, Lamoral S, Verburgh V, Thomas I, Brochier B, Subissi L, Van Gucht S. Epidemiology and genotype 3 subtype dynamics of hepatitis E virus in Belgium, 2010 to 2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30862337 PMCID: PMC6415497 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.10.1800141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging public health concern in high-income countries and can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. Reported numbers of indigenously acquired HEV infection have increased in the past decade in many European countries. Since 2010, the National Reference Centre (NRC) for Hepatitis Viruses has been testing samples of suspected hepatitis E cases in Belgium.AimIn this surveillance report, we present the epidemiological trends of symptomatic HEV infections in Belgium, from the distribution by age, sex and geography to the molecular characterisation of the viral strains.MethodSerum samples of suspected cases sent to the NRC between 2010 and 2017 were analysed for the presence of HEV-specific IgM and RNA. Virus was sequenced for genotyping and phylogenetic analysis in all samples containing sufficient viral RNA.ResultsThe NRC reported an increase in the number of samples from suspected cases (from 309 to 2,663 per year) and in the number of laboratory-confirmed hepatitis E cases (from 25 to 117 per year). Among 217 sequenced samples, 92.6% were genotype 3 (HEV-3), followed by 6.5% of genotype 1 and 0.9% of genotype 4. HEV-3 subtype viruses were mainly 3f, 3c and 3e. HEV-3f was the most common subtype until 2015, while HEV-3c became the most common subtype in 2016 and 2017.ConclusionThe increasing trend of HEV diagnoses in Belgium may be largely explained by increased awareness and testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Suin
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sofieke E Klamer
- European Program for Intervention Epidemiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden.,Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronik Hutse
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Magali Wautier
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marjorie Jacques
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mona Abady
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Lamoral
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vera Verburgh
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Thomas
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bernard Brochier
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Subissi
- European Program for Public Health Microbiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden.,National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Gucht
- National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Viral Diseases, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Harvala H, Hewitt PE, Reynolds C, Pearson C, Haywood B, Tettmar KI, Ushiro-Lumb I, Brailsford SR, Tedder R, Ijaz S. Hepatitis E virus in blood donors in England, 2016 to 2017: from selective to universal screening. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30862338 PMCID: PMC6415500 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.10.1800386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the most common cause of acute hepatitis in many European countries, is transmitted through consumption of processed pork but also via blood transfusion and transplantation. HEV infection can become persistent in immunocompromised individuals. Aim We aimed to determine the incidence and epidemiology of HEV infection in English blood donors since the introduction of donation screening in 2016. Methods Between March 2016 and December 2017, 1,838,747 blood donations were screened for HEV RNA. Donations containing HEV RNA were further tested for serological markers, RNA quantification and viral phylogeny. Demographics, travel and diet history were analysed for all infected donors. Results We identified 480 HEV RNA-positive blood donations during the 22-month period, most (319/480; 66%) donors were seronegative. Viral loads ranged from 1 to 3,230,000 IU/ml. All sequences belonged to genotype 3, except one which likely represents a new genotype. Most viraemic donors were over 45 years of age (279/480; 58%), donors aged between 17 and 24 years had a seven-times higher incidence of HEV infection than other donors between March and June 2016 (1:544 donations vs 1:3,830). HEV-infected blood donors were evenly distributed throughout England. Screening prevented 480 HEV RNA-positive blood donations from reaching clinical supply. Conclusion HEV screening of blood donations is a vital step in order to provide safer blood for all recipients, but especially for the immunosuppressed. The unusually high rates of HEV infection in young blood donors may provide some insight into specific risks associated with HEV infection in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Harvala
- University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia E Hewitt
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Reynolds
- Joint NHSBT/PHE Epidemiology Unit, Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV Division, National Infections Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Callum Pearson
- Joint NHSBT/PHE Epidemiology Unit, Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV Division, National Infections Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Becky Haywood
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate I Tettmar
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ines Ushiro-Lumb
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan R Brailsford
- Joint NHSBT/PHE Epidemiology Unit, Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV Division, National Infections Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Tedder
- Current affiliation: Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Ledesma J, Williams D, Stanford FA, Hewitt PE, Zuckerman M, Bansal S, Dhawan A, Mbisa JL, Tedder R, Ijaz S. Resolution by deep sequencing of a dual hepatitis E virus infection transmitted via blood components. J Gen Virol 2020; 100:1491-1500. [PMID: 31592753 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic infection, with consumption of processed pork products thought to be the major route of transmission in England. The clinical features of HEV infection range from asymptomatic infection to mild hepatitis to fulminant liver failure. Persistent, chronic hepatitis is increasingly recognized in immunocompromised patients. Infection via HEV-containing blood components and organs has been reported and measures to reduce this transmission risk were introduced into the blood service in England in 2016. We report here the sequence and phylogenetic findings from investigations into a transmission event from an HEV-infected donor to two recipients. Phylogenetic analysis of HEV genome sequence fragments obtained by Sanger sequencing showed that, whilst most of the sequences from both recipients' samples grouped with the sequence from the blood donor sample, the relationship of five sequences from recipient 2 were unresolved. Analysis of Illumina short-read deep sequence data demonstrated the presence of two divergent viral populations in the donor's sample that were also present in samples from both recipients. A clear phylogenetic relationship was established, indicating a probable transmission of both populations from the donor to each of the immunocompromised recipients. This study demonstrates the value of the application of new sequencing technologies combined with bioinformatic data analysis when Sanger sequencing is not able to clarify a proper phylogenetic relationship in the investigation of transmission events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ledesma
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, London, UK.,Antiviral Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - David Williams
- Bioinformatics, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Felicia Adelina Stanford
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Mark Zuckerman
- South London Specialist Virology Centre, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sanjay Bansal
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre and Mowat Labs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre and Mowat Labs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jean Lutamyo Mbisa
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, London, UK.,Antiviral Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Richard Tedder
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, London, UK
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18
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Oeser C, Vaughan A, Said B, Ijaz S, Tedder R, Haywood B, Warburton F, Charlett A, Elson R, Morgan D. Epidemiology of Hepatitis E in England and Wales: A 10-Year Retrospective Surveillance Study, 2008-2017. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:802-810. [PMID: 31107958 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Indigenous, foodborne transmission of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV G3) has become recognized as an emerging problem in industrialized countries. Although mostly asymptomatic, HEV G3 infection has a range of outcomes, including mild illness, severe acute hepatitis, and, of particular concern, chronic progressive hepatitis in immunocompromised patients. Public Health England has monitored cases of acute HEV infection in England and Wales since 2003. Between 2010 and 2017, enhanced surveillance using 2 linked laboratory databases and questionnaires on clinical features and risk factors was conducted. There was a year-on-year increase in the number of infections from 2008 (183) through 2016 (1243). Then, in 2017, the number of infections declined (to 912). As reported previously, HEV G3 group 2 (also known as "G3 abcdhij") is the predominant cause of acute infections, and older men are most at risk. Consumption of pork and pork products was significantly higher among patients than in the general population, but other previously reported associations, such as consumption of shellfish, were not observed. Ongoing surveillance is required to monitor future trends and changes in the epidemiology of the virus. The changing methods of animal husbandry and processing and distribution of animal products needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Oeser
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Public Health England, London.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Aisling Vaughan
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Public Health England, London.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Bengü Said
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Public Health England, London
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Viruses Unit, Public Health England, London
| | | | - Becky Haywood
- Blood Borne Viruses Unit, Public Health England, London
| | - Fiona Warburton
- Statistics, Modelling, and Economics Department, Public Health England, London
| | - Andre Charlett
- Statistics, Modelling, and Economics Department, Public Health England, London
| | - Richard Elson
- Gastrointestinal Infections, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London
| | - Dilys Morgan
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, Public Health England, London
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19
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Wolff A, Günther T, Albert T, Schilling-Loeffler K, Gadicherla AK, Johne R. Stability of hepatitis E virus at different pH values. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 325:108625. [PMID: 32361052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause acute and chronic hepatitis in humans. The zoonotic HEV genotype 3 is mainly transmitted by consumption of raw and fermented meat products prepared from infected pigs or wild boars. Lowering of pH during fermentation is one of the microbiological hurdles considered to inhibit growth of certain pathogens. However, no data are currently available on pH stability of HEV. As a reliable and reproducible measurement of HEV infectivity in meat products is not established so far, the stability of the cell culture-adapted HEV genotype 3 strain 47832c was analyzed here in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at different pH values. Only a minimal decrease of infectivity (up to 0.6 log10 focus forming units) was found after treatment at pH 2 to 9 for 3 h at room temperature. At pH 10, a decrease of about 3 log10 was evident, whereas no remaining virus (>3.5 log10 decrease) was detected at pH 1. The conditions usually achieved during curing of raw sausages were simulated using D/L-lactic acid added to PBS resulting in pH 4.5 to 6.5. After incubation at 4 °C for 7 days at these conditions, no significant differences as compared to a standard PBS solution at pH 7.7 were evident. At room temperature, a 0.8 log10 decrease was found at pH 4.7 after 7 days incubation compared to pH 7.7, but less at the other pH values. In conclusion, only minimal inactivating effects were found at pH conditions commonly occurring during food processing. Therefore, remaining infectious virus might be present in fermented meat products if HEV-contaminated starting material was used. Additional effects of other factors like high salt concentrations and low aw values should be investigated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wolff
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany
| | - T Günther
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany
| | - T Albert
- University of Leipzig, Institute for Food Hygiene, An den Tierkliniken 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - K Schilling-Loeffler
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany
| | - A K Gadicherla
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany
| | - R Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Department of Biological Safety, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany.
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20
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Subtype-specific differences in the risk of hospitalisation among patients infected with hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in Belgium, 2010-2018. Epidemiol Infect 2020; 147:e224. [PMID: 31364564 PMCID: PMC6625206 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268819001122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Some European countries recently reported an increase in hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) of the subtype 3c. No link between HEV-3 subtypes and severity is established to date. Here, we report that patients infected with HEV-3c were at lower risk of hospitalisation, compared to those infected with HEV-3f, the other main subtype circulating in Belgium.
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21
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De Sabato L, Di Bartolo I, Lapa D, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR. Molecular Characterization of HEV Genotype 3 in Italy at Human/Animal Interface. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:137. [PMID: 32117156 PMCID: PMC7014918 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging public health issue in industrialized countries. In the last decade the number of autochthonous human infections has increased in Europe. Genotype 3 (HEV-3) is typically zoonotic, being foodborne the main route of transmission to humans, and is the most frequently detected in Europe in both humans and animals (mainly pigs and wild boars). In Italy, the first autochthonous human case was reported in 1999; since then, HEV-3 has been widely detected in both humans and animals. Despite the zoonotic characteristic of HEV-3 is well established, the correlation between animal and human strains has been poorly investigated in Italy. In the present study, we compared the subtype distribution of HEV-3 in humans and animals (swine and wild boar) in the period 2000-2018 from Italy. The dataset for this analysis included a total of 96 Italian ORF2 sequences (300 nt long), including both NCBI database-derived (n = 64) and recent sequences (2016-2018, n = 32) obtained in this study. The results show that subtype 3f is the most frequent in humans and pigs, followed by the HEV-3e, HEV-3c and other unassignable HEV-3 strains. Diversely, in wild boar a wider group of HEV-3 subtypes have been detected, including HEV-3a, which has also been detected for the first time in a human patient in Central Italy in 2017, and a wide group of unassignable HEV-3 strains. The phylogenetic analysis including, besides Italian strains, also sequences from other countries retrieved from the NCBI database, indicated that human Italian sequences, in particular those of HEV-3f and HEV-3e, form significant clusters mainly with sequences of animal origin from the same country. Nevertheless, for HEV-3c, rarely detected in Italian pigs, human sequences from Italy are more correlated to human sequences from other European countries. Furthermore, clusters of near-identical human strains identified in a short time interval in Lazio Region (Central Italy) can be recognized in the phylogenetic tree, suggesting that multiple infections originating from a common source have occurred, and confirming the importance of sequencing support to HEV surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, “L. Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, “L. Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, “L. Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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22
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Abravanel F, Dimeglio C, Castanier M, Péron JM, Kamar N, Lhomme S, Izopet J. Does HEV-3 subtype play a role in the severity of acute hepatitis E? Liver Int 2020; 40:333-337. [PMID: 31837187 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) is a major aetiologic agent of acute hepatitis in industrialized countries. Two main HEV-3 subtypes are found in Europe: subtypes 3c and 3f. We have analysed the clinical and biological parameters from 100 French immunocompetent patients with an HEV subtype 3f or subtype 3c infection, included in a prospective multicentre study. Stepwise regression analysis found that infections with HEV subtype 3f were associated with fever (OR: 6.1 95%CI: 1.4-26.1), have a greater virus load (OR: 7.4; 95%CI: 1.3-42.2) and require more frequent hospitalization (OR: 7.6; 95%CI: 1.1-51.4) than those infected with subtype 3c. The directed acyclic graph strengthens the multivariate analyses indicating a direct link between the HEV subtype, HEV RNA concentration, fever and hospitalization. Further studies on patients in other European countries are needed to confirm this relationship and determine the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Abravanel
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Centre national de référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Chloé Dimeglio
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Centre national de référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Mathilde Castanier
- Département de Gastroentérologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Marie Péron
- Département de Gastroentérologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Département de Néphrologie-Transplantation d'organe, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Centre national de référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Centre national de référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Toulouse, France
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23
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Harritshøj LH, Hother CE, Sengeløv H, Daugaard G, Sørensen SS, Jacobsen S, Perch M, Holm DK, Sækmose SG, Aagaard B, Erikstrup C, Hogema BM, Lundgren JD, Ullum H. Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection in a cohort of 4023 immunocompromised patients. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 91:188-195. [PMID: 31756566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevalence of active, chronic, and former hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections was investigated in a cohort of immunocompromised patients. The association with transfusion transmitted HEV was evaluated, and the HEV seroprevalence was compared with that in healthy blood donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Serum samples from 4023 immunocompromised patients at Rigshospitalet, Denmark were retrospectively tested for HEV RNA and anti-HEV IgG. HEV RNA-positive patients were followed up by HEV testing, clinical symptoms, and transfusion history. Factors associated with anti-HEV were explored by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Samples from 1226 blood donors were retrospectively tested for anti-HEV IgG. RESULTS HEV RNA was detected in six patients (0.15%) with no indications of chronic HEV infection. HEV RNA prevalence rates among recipients of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and solid organ transplantation (SOT) were 0.58% and 0.21%, respectively. Transfusion transmitted infections were refuted, and transfusion history was not associated with anti-HEV positivity. The difference in HEV seroprevalence between patients (22.0%) and blood donors (10.9%) decreased when adjusting for age and sex (odds ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval 0.97-1.48). CONCLUSIONS HEV viremia among allo-HSCT and SOT recipients suggests that clinicians should be aware of this diagnosis. The lack of association of blood transfusion with anti-HEV positivity supports food-borne transmission as the main transmission route of HEV common to both patients and blood donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene H Harritshøj
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Christoffer E Hother
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Sengeløv
- Department of Haematology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gedske Daugaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren S Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Nephrology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Jacobsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Copenhagen Lupus and Vasculitis Clinic, Centre for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Perch
- Department of Cardiology, Section for Lung Transplantation, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte K Holm
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Susanne G Sækmose
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Næstved Hospital, Næstved, Denmark
| | - Bitten Aagaard
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Boris M Hogema
- Sanquin Research and Diagnostic Services, Departments of Blood-borne Infections and Virology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jens D Lundgren
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Centre for Health, Immunity and Infectious Diseases (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Henrik Ullum
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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24
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Hepatitis E virus infections in Europe. J Clin Virol 2019; 120:20-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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25
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Adlhoch C, Manďáková Z, Ethelberg S, Epštein J, Rimhanen-Finne R, Figoni J, Baylis SA, Faber M, Mellou K, Murphy N, O'Gorman J, Tosti ME, Ciccaglione AR, Hofhuis A, Zaaijer H, Lange H, de Sousa R, Avellón A, Sundqvist L, Said B, Ijaz S. Standardising surveillance of hepatitis E virus infection in the EU/EEA: A review of national practices and suggestions for the way forward. J Clin Virol 2019; 120:63-67. [PMID: 31590112 PMCID: PMC6899520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is not notifiable at EU/EEA level, therefore surveillance relies on national policies only. Between 2005 and 2015, more than 20,000 cases were reported in EU/EEA countries. HEV testing is established in 26 countries and 19 countries sequence HEV viruses. OBJECTIVE AND STUDY DESIGN WHO's European Action plan for viral hepatitis recommends harmonised surveillance objectives and case definitions. ECDC's HEV expert group developed minimal and optimal criteria for national hepatitis E surveillance to support EU/EEA countries in enhancing their capacity and to harmonise methods. RESULTS The experts agreed that the primary objectives of national surveillance for HEV infections should focus on the basic epidemiology of the disease: to monitor the incidence of acute cases and chronic infections. The secondary objectives should be to describe viral phylotypes or subtypes and to identify potential clusters/outbreaks and possible routes of transmission. Seventeen of 20 countries with existing surveillance systems collect the minimal data set required to describe the epidemiology of acute cases. Eleven countries test for chronic infections. Twelve countries collect data to identify potential clusters/outbreaks and information on possible routes of transmission. DISCUSSION Overall, the majority of EU/EEA countries collect the suggested data and meet the outlined requirements to confirm an acute case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Adlhoch
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Gustav III:s boulevard 40, 169 73, Solna, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Niamh Murphy
- Health Service Executive, Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Joanne O'Gorman
- Health Service Executive, Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | | | - Agnetha Hofhuis
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Hans Zaaijer
- Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Heidi Lange
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Rita de Sousa
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Ana Avellón
- Viral Hepatitis Reference and Research Laboratory National Center of Microbiology Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Lena Sundqvist
- The Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten), Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Bengü Said
- Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.
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26
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Alfonsi V, Romanò L, Ciccaglione AR, La Rosa G, Bruni R, Zanetti A, Della Libera S, Iaconelli M, Bagnarelli P, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR, Riccardo F, Tosti ME. Hepatitis E in Italy: 5 years of national epidemiological, virological and environmental surveillance, 2012 to 2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 30326991 PMCID: PMC6194909 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.41.1700517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of hepatitis E cases are being reported in several European countries, including Italy, but the burden of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is largely unknown in the latter. To gain a better understanding of HEV epidemiology at national level in Italy, we piloted a strengthened and integrated human (epidemiological and virological) and environmental HEV surveillance system between 2012 and 2016. Over the 5-year period, 169 confirmed hepatitis E cases were identified, with a national annual incidence of 0.72 cases per 1,000,000. Of 65 HEV-RNA positive samples of sufficient quality for molecular analysis, 66% were genotype HEV3, 32% HEV1 and 1% HEV4. The most frequent risk factor reported by all HEV3 infected cases, was the consumption of undercooked pork and sausage. For the environmental surveillance, 679 urban sewage samples were collected from 53 wastewater treatment plants and HEV-RNA was detected in 38/679 of the samples. Among these, 25 (66%) were genotype HEV3 and the remaining were HEV1. We demonstrate that autochthonous transmission and environmental circulation of genotype HEV3 is adding to travel-related HEV transmission in Italy. We recommend the ‘One Health’ approach to integrated surveillance, and to include HEV-related messages within health information campaigns focussing on food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Alfonsi
- Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Romanò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health - Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Ciccaglione
- Viral Hepatitis Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bruni
- Viral Hepatitis Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health - Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bagnarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Virology - Hospital of Ancona, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology - Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive "L. Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Riccardo
- Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Tosti
- National Center for Global Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
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27
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Thom K, Gilhooly P, McGowan K, Malloy K, Jarvis LM, Crossan C, Scobie L, Blatchford O, Smith-Palmer A, Donnelly MC, Davidson JS, Johannessen I, Simpson KJ, Dalton HR, Petrik J. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Scotland: evidence of recent increase in viral circulation in humans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 29589577 PMCID: PMC6205259 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.12.17-00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies showed low levels of circulating hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Scotland. We aimed to reassess current Scottish HEV epidemiology. Methods: Blood donor samples from five Scottish blood centres, the minipools for routine HEV screening and liver transplant recipients were tested for HEV antibodies and RNA to determine seroprevalence and viraemia. Blood donor data were compared with results from previous studies covering 2004-08. Notified laboratory-confirmed hepatitis E cases (2009-16) were extracted from national surveillance data. Viraemic samples from blood donors (2016) and chronic hepatitis E transplant patients (2014-16) were sequenced. Results: Anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence varied geographically and was highest in Edinburgh where it increased from 4.5% in 2004-08) to 9.3% in 2014-15 (p = 0.001). It was most marked in donors < 35 years. HEV RNA was found in 1:2,481 donors, compared with 1:14,520 in 2011. Notified laboratory-confirmed cases increased by a factor of 15 between 2011 and 2016, from 13 to 206. In 2011-13, 1 of 329 transplant recipients tested positive for acute HEV, compared with six cases of chronic infection during 2014-16. Of 10 sequenced viraemic donors eight and all six patients were infected with genotype 3 clade 1 virus, common in European pigs. Conclusions: The seroprevalence, number of viraemic donors and numbers of notified laboratory-confirmed cases of HEV in Scotland have all recently increased. The causes of this change are unknown, but need further investigation. Clinicians in Scotland, particularly those caring for immunocompromised patients, should have a low threshold for testing for HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Thom
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Gilhooly
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Karen McGowan
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kristen Malloy
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa M Jarvis
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Crossan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Scobie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Blatchford
- Department of Public Health, Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Smith-Palmer
- Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mhairi C Donnelly
- Department of Hepatology, Division of Health Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Janice S Davidson
- Scottish Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kenneth J Simpson
- Department of Hepatology, Division of Health Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harry R Dalton
- Royal Cornwall Hospital and European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, United Kingdom
| | - Juraj Petrik
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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28
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Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Blood Donors and Risk to Patients in the United States and Canada. Transfus Med Rev 2019; 33:139-145. [PMID: 31324552 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute hepatitis worldwide including large water-borne outbreaks, zoonotic infections and transfusion transmissions. Several countries have initiated or are considering blood donor screening in response to high HEV-RNA donation prevalence leading to transfusion-transmission risk. Because HEV transmission is more common through food sources, the efficacy of blood donor screening alone may be limited. HEV-nucleic acids in 101 489 blood donations in the United States and Canada were studied. A risk-based decision-making framework was used to evaluate the quantitative risks and cost-benefit of HEV-blood donation screening in Canada comparing three scenarios: no screening, screening blood for all transfused patients or screening blood for only those at greatest risk. HEV-RNA prevalence in the United States was one per 16 908 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1:5786-1:81987), whereas Canadian HEV-RNA prevalence was one per 4615 (95% CI, 1:2579-1:9244). Although 4-fold greater, Canadian HEV-RNA prevalence was not significantly higher than in the United States. Viral loads ranged from 20 to 3080 international units per mL; all successfully typed infections were genotype 3. No HEV-RNA false-positive donations were identified for 100 percent specificity. Without donation screening, heart and lung transplant recipients had the greatest HEV-infection risk (1:366962) versus kidney transplant recipients with the lowest (1:2.8 million) at costs of $225 546 to $561 810 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained for partial or universal screening, respectively. Higher cost per QALY would be expected in the United States. Thus, HEV prevalence in North America is lower than in countries performing blood donation screening, and if implemented, is projected to be costly under any scenario.
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29
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Tulen AD, Vennema H, van Pelt W, Franz E, Hofhuis A. A case-control study into risk factors for acute hepatitis E in the Netherlands, 2015–2017. J Infect 2019; 78:373-381. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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30
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Murphy EG, Williams NJ, Jennings D, Chantrey J, Verin R, Grierson S, McElhinney LM, Bennett M. First detection of Hepatitis E virus (Orthohepevirus C) in wild brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Great Britain. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 66:686-694. [PMID: 31033238 PMCID: PMC6767579 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the United Kingdom, there has been an increase in the number of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in people annually since 2010. Most of these are thought to be indigenously acquired Orthohepevirus A genotype 3 (HEV G3), which has been linked to pork production and consumption. However, the dominant subgroup circulating in British pigs differs from that which is found in people; therefore, an alternative, potentially zoonotic, source is suspected as a possible cause of these infections. Rodents, brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in particular, have been shown to carry HEV, both the swine HEV G3 genotype and Orthohepevirus C, genotype C1 (rat HEV). To investigate the prevalence of HEV in British rodents, liver tissue was taken from 307 rodents collected from pig farms (n = 12) and other locations (n = 10). The RNA from these samples was extracted and tested using a pan‐HEV nested RT‐PCR. Limited histopathology was also performed. In this study, 8/61 (13%, 95% CI, 5–21) of brown rat livers were positive for HEV RNA. Sequencing of amplicons demonstrated all infections to be rat HEV with 87%–92% nucleotide identity to other rat HEV sequences circulating within Europe and China (224 nt ORF‐1). Lesions and necrosis were observed histologically in 2/3 samples examined. No rat HEV RNA was detected in any other species, and no HEV G3 RNA was detected in any rodent in this study. This is the first reported detection of rat HEV in Great Britain. A human case of rat HEV infection has recently been reported in Asia, suggesting that rat HEV could pose a risk to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen G Murphy
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection and Global Health, NCZR, Neston, UK.,Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Global Health, NCZR, Neston, UK
| | - Nicola J Williams
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection and Global Health, NCZR, Neston, UK.,Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Global Health, NCZR, Neston, UK
| | - Daisy Jennings
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Borne Disease Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, UK
| | - Julian Chantrey
- Department of Veterinary Pathology & Public Health, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ranieri Verin
- Department of Veterinary Pathology & Public Health, School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sylvia Grierson
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Lorraine M McElhinney
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection and Global Health, NCZR, Neston, UK.,Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector Borne Disease Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, UK
| | - Malcolm Bennett
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Nottingham, Leicestershire, UK
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31
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Krog JS, Larsen LE, Breum SØ. Tracing Hepatitis E Virus in Pigs From Birth to Slaughter. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:50. [PMID: 30873419 PMCID: PMC6400844 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs are considered the main reservoir of genotypes 3 and 4 of the human pathogen hepatitis E virus (HEV). These viruses are prevalent at a high level in swine herds globally, meaning that consumers may be exposed to HEV from the food chain if the virus is present in pigs at slaughter. The aim of this study was to determine the HEV infection dynamics from birth to slaughter using 104 pigs from 11 sows in a single production system. Serum was collected from sows at 2 weeks prior to farrowing, in addition feces and serum samples were collected from the pigs every second week, from week 1 to week 17. Feces and selected organs were also sampled from 10 pigs following slaughter at week 20. All the samples were tested for HEV RNA by real-time RT-PCR and the serum samples were tested for HEV-specific antibodies using a commercial ELISA. Maternal antibodies (MAbs) were only present in pigs from sows with high levels of antibodies and all pigs, except one, seroconverted to HEV during weeks 13–17. In total, 65.5% of the pigs tested positive for HEV RNA at least once during the study (during weeks 13, 15, and/or 17) and significantly fewer pigs with a high level of MAbs became shedders. In contrast, the level of MAbs had no impact on the time of onset and duration of virus shedding. HEV was detected in feces and organs, but not in muscle, in 3 out of 10 pigs at slaughter, indicating that detection of HEV in feces is indicative of an HEV positivity in organs. In conclusion, a high proportion of pigs in a HEV positive herd were infected and shed virus during the finisher stage and some of the pigs also contained HEV RNA in feces and organs at slaughter. The presence of MAbs reduced the prevalence of HEV shedding animals, therefore, sow vaccination may be an option to decrease the prevalence of HEV positive animals at slaughter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper S Krog
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Lars E Larsen
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Solvej Ø Breum
- National Veterinary Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Toward Systematic Screening for Persistent Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Transplant Patients. Transplantation 2019; 102:1139-1147. [PMID: 29953421 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV G3) infections affect solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients, but the burden in these cohorts in the United Kingdom is unknown. We established an audit to determine the point prevalence of HEV viremia in SOT and HSCT patients in the United Kingdom and compare different testing approaches to inform screening strategies. METHODS Between January 5, 2016, and September 21, 2016, 3044 patients undergoing therapeutic drug monitoring at a single transplant center were screened for HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) in minipools. A total of 2822 patients who could be characterized included 2419 SOT patients, 144 HSCT patients and 259 patients with no available transplant history. HEV RNA-positive samples were characterized by serology and genomic phylogeny. HEV antigen (HEV-Ag) testing was performed on RNA-positive samples, 420 RNA-negative samples and 176 RNA-negative blood donor samples. RESULTS Nineteen of 2822 patients were viremic with G3 HEV giving a prevalence of 0.67%. The median alanine aminotransferase was significantly higher in the HEV viremic patients (P < 0.0001); however, 2 viremic patients had an alanine aminotransferase value within the normal range at the time of screening. The HEV-Ag assay identified 18/19 viremic patients and all those patients with proven viremia longer than 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Transplant recipients in the United Kingdom are at a low but significant risk of HEV infection. HEV-Ag detection could be an alternative to RNA detection where the goal is to identify established persistent HEV infection, particularly where expertise, facilities, or cost prohibit RNA testing.
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White SL, Rawlinson W, Boan P, Sheppeard V, Wong G, Waller K, Opdam H, Kaldor J, Fink M, Verran D, Webster A, Wyburn K, Grayson L, Glanville A, Cross N, Irish A, Coates T, Griffin A, Snell G, Alexander SI, Campbell S, Chadban S, Macdonald P, Manley P, Mehakovic E, Ramachandran V, Mitchell A, Ison M. Infectious Disease Transmission in Solid Organ Transplantation: Donor Evaluation, Recipient Risk, and Outcomes of Transmission. Transplant Direct 2019; 5:e416. [PMID: 30656214 PMCID: PMC6324914 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016, the Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand, with the support of the Australian Government Organ and Tissue authority, commissioned a literature review on the topic of infectious disease transmission from deceased donors to recipients of solid organ transplants. The purpose of this review was to synthesize evidence on transmission risks, diagnostic test characteristics, and recipient management to inform best-practice clinical guidelines. The final review, presented as a special supplement in Transplantation Direct, collates case reports of transmission events and other peer-reviewed literature, and summarizes current (as of June 2017) international guidelines on donor screening and recipient management. Of particular interest at the time of writing was how to maximize utilization of donors at increased risk for transmission of human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus, given the recent developments, including the availability of direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus and improvements in donor screening technologies. The review also covers emerging risks associated with recent epidemics (eg, Zika virus) and the risk of transmission of nonendemic pathogens related to donor travel history or country of origin. Lastly, the implications for recipient consent of expanded utilization of donors at increased risk of blood-borne viral disease transmission are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L White
- Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - William Rawlinson
- Serology and Virology Division, NSW Health Pathology Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Women's and Children's Health and Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales Schools of Medicine, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Boan
- Departments of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Perth, Australia
| | - Vicky Sheppeard
- Communicable Diseases Network Australia, New South Wales Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Germaine Wong
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen Waller
- Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Helen Opdam
- Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
- The Organ and Tissue Authority, Australian Government, Canberra, Australia
| | - John Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Fink
- Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deborah Verran
- Transplantation Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Angela Webster
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Wyburn
- Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Renal Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lindsay Grayson
- Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Allan Glanville
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Lung Transplantation, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nick Cross
- Department of Nephrology, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ashley Irish
- Department of Nephrology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, UWA Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Toby Coates
- Renal and Transplantation, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anthony Griffin
- Renal Transplantation, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Greg Snell
- Lung Transplant, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen I Alexander
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
| | - Scott Campbell
- Department of Renal Medicine, University of Queensland at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Steven Chadban
- Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Renal Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Macdonald
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Paul Manley
- Kidney Disorders, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Eva Mehakovic
- The Organ and Tissue Authority, Australian Government, Canberra, Australia
| | - Vidya Ramachandran
- Serology and Virology Division, NSW Health Pathology Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alicia Mitchell
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Lung Transplantation, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical and Molecular Biosciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Ison
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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Webb GW, Dalton HR. Hepatitis E: an underestimated emerging threat. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2019; 6:2049936119837162. [PMID: 30984394 PMCID: PMC6448100 DOI: 10.1177/2049936119837162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis in the world. It is estimated that millions of people are infected every year, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. However, these estimates do not include industrialized regions and are based on studies which employ assays now known to have inferior sensitivity. As such, this is likely to represent a massive underestimate of the true global burden of disease. In the developing world, HEV causes large outbreaks and presents a significant public-health problem. Until recently HEV was thought to be uncommon in industrialized countries, and of little relevance to clinicians in these settings. We now know that this is incorrect, and that HEV is actually very common in developed regions. HEV has proved difficult to study in vitro, with reliable models only recently becoming available. Our understanding of the lifecycle of HEV is therefore incomplete. Routes of transmission vary by genotype and location: endemic regions experience large waterborne epidemics, while sporadic cases in industrialized regions are zoonotic infections likely spread via the food chain. Both acute and chronic infection has been observed, and a wide range of extrahepatic manifestations have been reported. This includes neurological, haematological and renal conditions. As the complete clinical phenotype of HEV infection is yet to be characterized, a large proportion of cases go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. In many cases HEV infection does not feature in the differential diagnosis due to a lack of knowledge and awareness of the disease amongst clinicians. In combination, these factors have contributed to an underestimation of the threat posed by HEV. Improvements are required in terms of recognition and diagnosis of HEV infection if we are to understand the natural history of the disease, improve management and reduce the burden of disease around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glynn W. Webb
- University of Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, 7 Radnor Rd London NW6 6TT Manchester, UK
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35
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Grierson SS, McGowan S, Cook C, Steinbach F, Choudhury B. Molecular and in vitro characterisation of hepatitis E virus from UK pigs. Virology 2018; 527:116-121. [PMID: 30496912 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is widespread in the global pig population. Although clinically inapparent in pigs, HEV infection is the cause of Hepatitis E in humans and transmission via the food chain has been established. Following a 2013 study that investigated prevalence of HEV infection in UK slaughter-age pigs samples indicating highest viral load were selected for further characterisation. High throughput sequencing was used to obtain the complete coding sequence from five samples. An in-frame insertion was observed within the HEV hypervariable region in two samples. To interrogate whether this mutation may be the cause of high-level viraemia and faecal shedding as observed in the sampled pigs virus isolation and culture was conducted. Based on viral growth kinetics there was no evidence that these insertions affected replication efficiency in vitro, suggesting as yet undetermined host factors may affect the course of infection and consequently the risk of foodborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia S Grierson
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Virology, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
| | - Sarah McGowan
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Virology, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Charlotte Cook
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Falko Steinbach
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Virology, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Bhudipa Choudhury
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Virology, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
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36
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Dalton HR, Izopet J. Transmission and Epidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 and 4 Infections. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018. [PMID: 29530946 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a032144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Following the introduction of robust serological and molecular tools, our understanding of the epidemiology of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) has improved considerably in recent years. Current thinking suggests that consumption of pork meat products is the key route of infection in humans, but it is certainly not the only one. Other routes of infection include environmental spread, contaminated water, and via the human blood supply. The epidemiology of HEV genotype (gt)3 and gt4 is complex, as there are several sources and routes of infection, and it is likely that these vary between and within countries and over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry R Dalton
- Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom.,European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Department of Virology, Hepatitis E Virus National Reference Centre, Toulouse University Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France.,Toulouse-Purpan Centre for Pathophysiology, INSERM UMR1043/CNRS UMR 5282, CPTP, Toulouse University Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
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37
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Summary of the British Transplantation Society UK Guidelines for Hepatitis E and Solid Organ Transplantation. Transplantation 2018; 102:15-20. [PMID: 28795981 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has increased in many developed countries over the last decade, predominantly due to infection with genotype 3 (G3) HEV. Infection with HEV G3 is important in transplant recipients because it can persist in immunosuppressed individuals, leading, if untreated, to the development of chronic hepatitis and significant liver fibrosis. The British Transplantation Society (BTS) has developed Guidelines for "Hepatitis E and Solid Organ Transplantation" to inform clinical teams and patients about hepatitis E, to help increase the recognition of persistent hepatitis E infection, and to provide clear guidance on its management. This guideline was published on the BTS website in June 2017 and aims to review the evidence relating to the diagnosis and management of persistent hepatitis E in solid organ transplant recipients and the methods of prevention of HEV infection. In line with previous guidelines published by the BTS, the guideline has used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system to rate the strength of evidence and recommendations. This article includes a summary overview of hepatitis E and transplantation with key references, and the statements of recommendation contained within the guideline. It is recommended that the full guideline document is consulted for complete details of the relevant references and evidence base. This may be accessed at https://bts.org.uk/guidelines-standards/.
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38
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Smith DB, Simmonds P. Classification and Genomic Diversity of Enterically Transmitted Hepatitis Viruses. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018; 8:a031880. [PMID: 29530950 PMCID: PMC6120691 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are significant human pathogens and are responsible for a substantial proportion of cases of severe acute hepatitis worldwide. Genetically, both viruses are heterogeneous and are classified into several genotypes that differ in their geographical distribution and risk group association. There is, however, little evidence that variants of HAV or HEV differ antigenically or in their propensity to cause severe disease. Genetically more divergent but primarily hepatotropic variants of both HAV and HEV have been found in several mammalian species, those of HAV being classified into eight species within the genus Hepatovirus in the virus family Picornaviridae. HEV is classified as a member of the species Orthohepevirus A in the virus family Hepeviridae, a species that additionally contains viruses infecting pigs, rabbits, and a variety of other mammalian species. Other species (Orthohepevirus B-D) infect a wide range of other mammalian species including rodents and bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Smith
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
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39
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Kantala T, Maunula L. Hepatitis E virus: zoonotic and foodborne transmission in developed countries. Future Virol 2018. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2018-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), together with hepatitis A virus, transmits via the fecal–oral route. The number of domestic hepatitis E cases among Europeans has grown alarmingly during the past 5 years. Surveillance studies suggest that the number of foodborne HEV infections is increasing most rapidly. Zoonotic HEV genotype HEV-3 is prevalent among pigs and wild boars in Europe and many developed countries, whereas zoonotic genotype HEV-4 is more common in pigs in some Asian countries. This review presents the most recent data about possible foodborne transmission of HEV via pigs and other production animals and about the presence of HEV in high-risk foods, such as ready-to-eat meat products. Possible solutions about how to tackle this problem are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuija Kantala
- Department of Food Hygiene & Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira, Mustialankatu 3, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leena Maunula
- Department of Food Hygiene & Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014, Helsinki, Finland
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40
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Reekie I, Irish D, Ijaz S, Fox T, Bharucha T, Griffiths P, Thorburn D, Harber M, MacKinnon S, Sekhar M. Hepatitis E infection in stem cell and solid organ transplantpatients: A cross-sectional study: The importance of HEV RNA screening in peri-transplant period. J Clin Virol 2018; 107:1-5. [PMID: 30099145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is a common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Typically associated with a self-limiting illness, infection may persist in immunosuppressed populations with significant morbidity and mortality. Based on clinical data published world-wide, UK blood safety guidance recommends the universal screening for HEV RNA of blood donors and donors of tissue, organs and stem cells. OBJECTIVES This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the point prevalence of HEV viraemia and clinical course of viraemic patients in the peri-transplant period in solid organ transplant (SOT) and haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients transplanted over a 3-year period (2013-2015). STUDY DESIGN Nucleic acid extracts of whole blood from patients undergoing SOT or HSCT were tested by an in-house real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay for HEV RNA. Samples were tested at baseline (time of transplant), 30, 60 and 90 days post-transplant. RESULTS 870 patients (259 HSCT, 262 liver and 349 kidney transplant) were included with 2554 samples meeting the inclusion criteria. No kidney transplant patients had HEV viraemia at time of testing. One HSCT and three liver transplant patients were found to be HEV RNA positive. Overall this represented 0.46% of the patients testing positive for HEV viraemia. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of HEV viraemia in SOT and HSCT patients in U.K. although higher than in the general population is low at baseline and remains low throughout the early post-transplant phase. Clearance of viraemia can be maintained despite ongoing immunosuppression. Prospective U.K. studies are necessary to inform screening policies in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Reekie
- Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Dianne Irish
- Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Thomas Fox
- Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Mark Harber
- Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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41
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Westhölter D, Hiller J, Denzer U, Polywka S, Ayuk F, Rybczynski M, Horvatits T, Gundlach S, Blöcker J, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Fischer N, Addo MM, Peine S, Göke B, Lohse AW, Lütgehetmann M, Pischke S. HEV-positive blood donations represent a relevant infection risk for immunosuppressed recipients. J Hepatol 2018; 69:36-42. [PMID: 29551705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Routine HEV testing of blood products has recently been implemented in Great Britain and the Netherlands. The relevance of transfusion-transmitted HEV infections is still controversially discussed in Europe. METHODS All blood donations at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf were prospectively tested for HEV RNA by pooled PCR from October 2016 to May 2017. Reactive samples were individually retested. Additionally, stored samples from previous donations of positive donors were tested to determine the duration of HEV viraemia. HEV RNA-positive donors and a control cohort were asked to answer a questionnaire. RESULTS Twenty-three out of 18,737 HEV RNA-positive donors were identified (0.12%). Only two of the positive donors (8.7%) presented with elevated aminotransferases at time of donation (alanine aminotransferase: 192 and 101 U/L). The retrospective analysis of all positive donors revealed that four asymptomatic donors had been HEV viraemic for up to three months with the longest duration of HEV viraemia exceeding four months. Despite the HEV-testing efforts, 14 HEV RNA-positive blood products were transfused into 12 immunocompromised and two immunocompetent patients. One recipient of these products developed fatal acute-on-chronic liver failure complicated by Pseudomonas septicemia. The questionnaire revealed that HEV RNA-positive donors significantly more often consumed raw pork meat (12 out of 18; 67%) than controls (89 out of 256; 35%; p = 0.01). In two donors, undercooked pork liver dishes were identified as the source of infection. HEV genotyping was possible in 7 out of 23 of HEV viraemic donors and six out of seven isolates belonged to HEV Genotype 3, Group 2. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged HEV viraemia can be detected at a relatively high rate in Northern German blood donors, leading to transfusion-transmitted HEV infections in several patients with the risk of severe and fatal complications. Eating raw pork tartare represented a relevant risk for the acquisition of HEV infection. LAY SUMMARY The relevance of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus infections has been discussed controversially. Herein, we present the first report on routine hepatitis E virus screening of blood donations at a tertiary care centre in Germany. Hepatitis E viraemia was found at a relatively high rate of 0.12% among blood donors, which represents a relevant transfusion-related risk for vulnerable patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Westhölter
- I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. MAILTO:
| | - Jens Hiller
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Denzer
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Polywka
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Francis Ayuk
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Meike Rybczynski
- University Heart Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Horvatits
- I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Svantje Gundlach
- I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (Deutsche Zentrum für Infektionsforschung), Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Blöcker
- I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (Deutsche Zentrum für Infektionsforschung), Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (Deutsche Zentrum für Infektionsforschung), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marylyn M Addo
- I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (Deutsche Zentrum für Infektionsforschung), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Peine
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Göke
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (Deutsche Zentrum für Infektionsforschung), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (Deutsche Zentrum für Infektionsforschung), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Center for Infection Research (Deutsche Zentrum für Infektionsforschung), Berlin, Germany
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Nicot F, Jeanne N, Roulet A, Lefebvre C, Carcenac R, Manno M, Dubois M, Kamar N, Lhomme S, Abravanel F, Izopet J. Diversity of hepatitis E virus genotype 3. Rev Med Virol 2018; 28:e1987. [PMID: 29939461 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) can lead to chronic infection in immunocompromised patients, and ribavirin is the treatment of choice. Recently, mutations in the polymerase gene have been associated with ribavirin failure but their frequency before treatment according to HEV-3 subtypes has not been studied on a large data set. We used single-molecule real-time sequencing technology to sequence 115 new complete genomes of HEV-3 infecting French patients. We analyzed phylogenetic relationships, the length of the polyproline region, and mutations in the HEV polymerase gene. Eighty-five (74%) were in the clade HEV-3efg, 28 (24%) in HEV-3chi clade, and 2 (2%) in HEV-3ra clade. Using automated partitioning of maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees, complete genomes were classified into subtypes. Polyproline region length differs within HEV-3 clades (from 189 to 315 nt). Investigating mutations in the polymerase gene, distinct polymorphisms between HEV-3 subtypes were found (G1634R in 95% of HEV-3e, G1634K in 56% of HEV-3ra, and V1479I in all HEV-3efg, clade HEV-3ra, and HEV-3k strains). Subtype-specific polymorphisms in the HEV-3 polymerase have been identified. Our study provides new complete genome sequences of HEV-3 that could be useful for comparing strains circulating in humans and the animal reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Nicot
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Jeanne
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Alain Roulet
- Plateforme Génomique, Centre INRA Occitanie-Toulouse, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Caroline Lefebvre
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Romain Carcenac
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Maxime Manno
- Plateforme Génomique, Centre INRA Occitanie-Toulouse, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Martine Dubois
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Center of Pathophysiology, Toulouse Purpan, INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,Service de néphrologie, Dialyse et Transplantation d'Organe, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Center of Pathophysiology, Toulouse Purpan, INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Abravanel
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Center of Pathophysiology, Toulouse Purpan, INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Center of Pathophysiology, Toulouse Purpan, INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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43
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Baylis SA, Moradpour D, Wedemeyer H, Negro F. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on hepatitis E virus infection. J Hepatol 2018; 68:1256-1271. [PMID: 29609832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 343] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, representing an important global health problem. Our understanding of HEV has changed completely over the past decade. Previously, HEV was thought to be limited to certain developing countries. We now know that HEV is endemic in most high-income countries and is largely a zoonotic infection. Given the paradigm shift in our understanding of zoonotic HEV and that locally acquired HEV is now the commonest cause of acute viral hepatitis in many European countries, the focus of these Clinical Practice Guidelines will be on HEV genotype 3 (and 4).
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44
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus genotype 1 (HEV G1) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa and Asia. HEV G1's natural history, including the incubation period, remains poorly understood, hindering surveillance efforts and effective control. Using individual-level data from 85 travel-related HEV G1 cases in England and Wales, we estimate the incubation period distribution using survival analysis methods, which allow for appropriate inference when only time ranges, rather than exact times are known for the exposure to HEV and symptom onset. We estimated a 29.8-day (95% confidence interval (CI) 24.1–36.0) median incubation period with 5% of people expected to develop symptoms within 14.3 days (95% CI 10.1–21.7) and 95% within 61.9 days (95% CI 47.4–74.4) of exposure. These estimates can help refine clinical case definitions and inform the design of disease burden and intervention studies.
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45
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Zafrullah M, Zhang X, Tran C, Nguyen M, Kamili S, Purdy MA, Stramer SL. Disparities in detection of antibodies against hepatitis E virus in US blood donor samples using commercial assays. Transfusion 2018. [PMID: 29520800 DOI: 10.1111/trf.14553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reported hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody assay performance characteristics are variable. Using a subset of surplus US blood donation samples, we compared assays for detecting anti-HEV immunoglobulin M (Ig)M and IgG or total anti-HEV antibodies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Samples from 5040 random blood donations, all HEV-RNA negative, collected primarily in the midwestern United States in 2015 were tested for anti-HEV IgM and IgG or total anti-HEV using assays manufactured by Diagnostic Systems, Wantai, and MP Biomedicals. RESULTS Overall, the percentage of detection for anti-HEV IgG and total anti-HEV was 11.4%, and for anti-HEV IgM was 1.8%. Nine samples were reactive for anti-HEV IgM by all assays, giving a recent infection rate of 0.18%. Anti-HEV IgG/total anti-HEV detection rates increased with age. Interassay agreement was higher among the IgG anti-HEV/total anti-HEV assays (84%) than the IgM assays (22%). Regression analyses of signal-to-cutoff ratios from IgG/total antibody assay were heteroskedastic, indicating no constant variance among these assays, suggesting they may detect different epitopes or were affected by waning or less avid antibodies in the US donor population. CONCLUSIONS Although similar percentages of IgG anti-HEV/total anti-HEV detection were observed across the three commercial assays, each assay detected a unique sample subpopulation and was heteroskedastic when compared pairwise. Discordance was higher among anti-HEV IgM assays, but a recent HEV infection rate of at least 0.18% was estimated based on assay concordance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zafrullah
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Xiugen Zhang
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Coleen Tran
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,MiMex, Marietta, Georgia
| | - Megan Nguyen
- American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland.,US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Saleem Kamili
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael A Purdy
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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46
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Nan Y, Wu C, Zhao Q, Sun Y, Zhang YJ, Zhou EM. Vaccine Development against Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: Open Questions and Remaining Challenges. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:266. [PMID: 29520257 PMCID: PMC5827553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a fecal-orally transmitted foodborne viral pathogen that causes acute hepatitis in humans and is responsible for hepatitis E outbreaks worldwide. Since the discovery of HEV as a zoonotic agent, this virus has been isolated from a variety of hosts with an ever-expanding host range. Recently, a subunit HEV vaccine developed for the prevention of human disease was approved in China, but is not yet available to the rest of the world. Meanwhile, notable progress and knowledge has been made and revealed in recent years to better understand HEV biology and infection, including discoveries of quasi-enveloped HEV virions and of a new function of the HEV-ORF3 product. However, the impact of these new findings on the development of a protective vaccine against zoonotic HEV infection requires further discussion. In this review, hallmark characteristics of HEV zoonosis, the history of HEV vaccine development, and recent discoveries in HEV virology are described. Moreover, special attention is focused on quasi-enveloped HEV virions and the potential role of the HEV-ORF3 product as antibody-neutralization target on the surface of quasi-enveloped HEV virions to provide new insights for the future development of improved vaccines against zoonotic HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Yani Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
| | - Yan-Jin Zhang
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine and Maryland Pathogen Research Institute, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, China
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47
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Ainley LI, Hewitt PE. Haematology patients and the risk of transfusion transmitted infection. Br J Haematol 2018; 180:473-483. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louise I. Ainley
- Department of Haematology; Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust; London UK
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48
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Using data linkage to improve surveillance methods for acute hepatitis E infections in England and Wales 2010–2016. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:2886-2889. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817002047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYIndigenous, foodborne transmission of hepatitis E has been increasing across industrialised countries. Public Health England has conducted enhanced surveillance in England and Wales since 2003.This report gives an account of acute infections from 2010 to 2016 and describes modification made to the methods of surveillance to account for changes in reporting behaviours and improve ascertainment.
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49
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Aspinall EJ, Couturier E, Faber M, Said B, Ijaz S, Tavoschi L, Takkinen J, Adlhoch C. Hepatitis E virus infection in Europe: surveillance and descriptive epidemiology of confirmed cases, 2005 to 2015. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 22. [PMID: 28681720 PMCID: PMC6518348 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.26.30561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an under-recognised cause of acute hepatitis in high-income countries. The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of testing, diagnosis, surveillance activities, and data on confirmed cases in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA). A semi-structured survey was developed and sent to 31 EU/EEA countries in February 2016, 30 responded. Twenty of these countries reported that they have specific surveillance systems for HEV infection. Applied specific case definition for HEV infection varied widely across countries. The number of reported cases has increased from 514 cases per year in 2005 to 5,617 in 2015, with most infections being locally acquired. This increase could not be explained by additional countries implementing surveillance for HEV infections over time. Hospitalisations increased from less than 100 in 2005 to more than 1,100 in 2015 and 28 fatal cases were reported over the study period. EU/EEA countries are at different stages in their surveillance, testing schemes and policy response to the emergence of HEV infection in humans. The available data demonstrated a Europe-wide increase in cases. Standardised case definitions and testing policies would allow a better understanding of the epidemiology of HEV as an emerging cause of liver-related morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther J Aspinall
- NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Bengü Said
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lara Tavoschi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Takkinen
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cornelia Adlhoch
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
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- Country experts are listed at the end of the article
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50
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Cook N, D'Agostino M, Johne R. Potential Approaches to Assess the Infectivity of Hepatitis E Virus in Pork Products: A Review. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2017; 9:243-255. [PMID: 28470455 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-017-9303-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The zoonotic transmission of hepatitis E, caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), is an emerging issue. HEV appears common in pigs (although infected pigs do not show clinical signs), and evidence suggests that a number of hepatitis E cases have been associated with the consumption of undercooked pork meat and products. Little information is available on whether cooking can eliminate HEV, since there is currently no robust method for measuring its infectivity. HEV infectivity can be clearly demonstrated by monitoring for signs of infection (e.g., shedding of virus) in an animal model. However, this approach has several disadvantages, such as lack of reproducibility and unsuitability for performing large numbers of tests, high costs, and not least ethical considerations. Growth in cell culture can unambiguously show that a virus is infectious and has the potential for replication, without the disadvantages of using animals. Large numbers of tests can also be performed, which can make the results more amenable to statistical interpretation. However, no HEV cell culture system has been shown to be applicable to all HEV strains, none has been standardized, and few studies have demonstrated their use for measurement of HEV infectivity in food samples. Nonetheless, cell culture remains the most promising approach, and the main recommendation of this review is that there should be an extensive research effort to develop and validate a cell culture-based method for assessing HEV infectivity in pork products. Systems comprising promising cell lines and HEV strains which can grow well in cell culture should be tested to select an assay for effective and reliable measurement of HEV infectivity over a wide range of virus concentrations. The assay should then be harnessed to a procedure which can extract HEV from pork products, to produce a method suitable for further use. The method can then be used to determine the effect of heat or other elimination processes on HEV in pork meat and products, or to assess whether HEV detected in any surveyed foodstuffs is infectious and therefore poses a risk to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Cook
- Fera Science Ltd., Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, UK.
- Jorvik Food and Environmental Virology Ltd., York, UK.
| | - Martin D'Agostino
- Fera Science Ltd., Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ, UK
- Campden BRI, Chipping Campden, UK
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
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