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Woytinek K, Glitscher M, Hildt E. Antagonism of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling favors hepatitis E virus life cycle. J Virol 2024:e0058024. [PMID: 38856640 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00580-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses a global threat, which currently remains understudied in terms of host interactions. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays multifaceted roles in viral pathogenesis, impacting host-cell entry, viral replication, and host-defense modulation. On the one hand, EGFR signaling emerged as a major driver in innate immunity; on the other hand, a crosstalk between HEV and EGFR requires deeper analysis. We therefore aimed to dissect the receptor's involvement in the HEV life cycle. In persistently HEV-infected cells, the EGFR amount is decreased alongside with enhanced receptor internalization. As compared with the control ligand-induced EGFR, activation revealed an early receptor internalization and degradation in HEV-replicating cells, resulting in a notable EGFR signaling delay. Interestingly, inhibition or silencing of EGFR increased viral replication, extracellular and intracellular viral transcripts, and released infectious particles. The pro-viral impact of EGFR inhibition was attributed to (i) impaired expression of interferon-stimulated genes, (ii) activation of the autophagosomal system, (iii) virus-induced inhibition of lysosomal acidification, and (iv) a decrease of the cellular cholesterol level. IMPORTANCE This study identifies epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a novel host factor affecting hepatitis E virus (HEV): EGFR downregulation promotes viral replication, release, and evasion from the innate immune response. The discovery that EGFR inhibition favors viral spread is particularly concerning for HEV patients undergoing EGFR inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirco Glitscher
- Division of Virology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Division of Virology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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Thornton CS, Waddell BJ, Congly SE, Svishchuk J, Somayaji R, Fatovich L, Isaac D, Doucette K, Fonseca K, Drews SJ, Borlang J, Osiowy C, Parkins MD. Porcine-derived pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy may be linked to chronic hepatitis E virus infection in cystic fibrosis lung transplant recipients. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2023-330602. [PMID: 38621922 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In high-income countries hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an uncommonly diagnosed porcine-derived zoonoses. After identifying disproportionate chronic HEV infections in persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) postlung transplant, we sought to understand its epidemiology and potential drivers. DESIGN All pwCF post-transplant attending our regional CF centre were screened for HEV. HEV prevalence was compared against non-transplanted pwCF and with all persons screened for suspected HEV infection from 2016 to 2022 in Alberta, Canada. Those with chronic HEV infection underwent genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Owing to their swine derivation, independently sourced pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) capsules were screened for HEV. RESULTS HEV seropositivity was similar between transplanted and non-transplanted pwCF (6/29 (21%) vs 16/83 (19%); p=0.89). Relative to all other Albertans investigated for HEV as a cause of hepatitis (n=115/1079, 10.7%), pwCF had a twofold higher seropositivity relative risk and this was four times higher than the Canadian average. Only three chronic HEV infection cases were identified in all of Alberta, all in CF lung transplant recipients (n=3/29, 10.3%). Phylogenetics confirmed cases were unrelated porcine-derived HEV genotype 3a. Ninety-one per cent of pwCF were taking PERT (median 8760 capsules/person/year). HEV RNA was detected by RT-qPCR in 44% (47/107) of PERT capsules, and sequences clustered with chronic HEV cases. CONCLUSION PwCF had disproportionate rates of HEV seropositivity, regardless of transplant status. Chronic HEV infection was evident only in CF transplant recipients. HEV may represent a significant risk for pwCF, particularly post-transplant. Studies to assess HEV incidence and prevalence in pwCF, and potential role of PERT are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Thornton
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Barbara J Waddell
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen E Congly
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julianna Svishchuk
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ranjani Somayaji
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Linda Fatovich
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Debra Isaac
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karen Doucette
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kevin Fonseca
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steven J Drews
- Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jamie Borlang
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Carla Osiowy
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael D Parkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Ushiro-Lumb I, Forsythe J, Haywood B, Geoghegan C, Maddox V, Ijaz S, Manas D, Thorburn D. Impact of Hepatitis E Virus Screening in the UK Deceased Organ Donor Population. Transpl Int 2023; 36:11673. [PMID: 37727381 PMCID: PMC10505649 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.11673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Universal Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) screening of deceased organ donors was implemented by the UK national organ procurement organisation in October 2017. Donor testing for HEV infection is done post-transplant; detection of HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) in donor plasma is therefore not a contra-indication for organ donation, with the result being used to inform recipient management. Immediate post-transplant detection of donor HEV viraemia triggers notification to transplant centres. Follow up of liver and kidney recipients has shown that transmission through solid organs is very efficient, particularly through liver grafts, as expected; no other organ types were transplanted in this cohort. Although donors with higher plasma viral load (VL > 103 IU/mL) were invariably associated with recipient infection, transmission was also documented at lower VL levels. Knowledge of donor HEV status has led to identification of transmission of infection via solid organ grafts followed by close patient monitoring and informed clinical management decisions. The purpose of this strategy is to allow early detection of infection and recurrence and treatment to circumvent the risk of accelerated liver damage from chronic HEV infection due to undiagnosed, inadvertent donor-derived transmission of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Ushiro-Lumb
- Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, United Kingdom
- Microbiology Services Laboratory, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Forsythe
- Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Becky Haywood
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Victoria Maddox
- Microbiology Services Laboratory, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, United Kingdom
| | - Derek Manas
- Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
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Franz A, Reuken PA, Guliyeva S, Rose M, Boden K, Stallmach A, Bruns T. Early ribavirin for hepatitis E virus infection in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy: a retrospective, observational study. J Int Med Res 2023; 51:3000605231187941. [PMID: 37523153 PMCID: PMC10392516 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231187941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are common, self-limiting causes of acute viral hepatitis. This study aimed to analyze hepatic injury, viremia, and chronicity rates in patients with acute HEV infection receiving immunosuppressive (IS) therapy taking into account ribavirin treatment. METHODS In this retrospective, single-center, observational study, we analyzed the disease course of 25 non-cirrhotic patients receiving IS therapy who were diagnosed with acute HEV viremia. Forty-four patients with acute HEV viremia without IS therapy were controls. RESULTS Demographics, symptoms at presentation, and extrahepatic manifestations were not different between patients with and without IS therapy, but liver injury at presentation was less severe in patients with IS therapy. Among the patients with IS therapy, 18 (72%) received ribavirin for a median of 56 days. Sustained viral clearance was observed in 21 patients with IS therapy, whereas 3 patients relapsed after ribavirin, and 1 patient had viral persistence. Among patients with sustained viral clearance, there was a longer duration of viremia in patients with IS therapy than in those without. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of non-cirrhotic patient with IS, early treatment with ribavirin for acute HEV infection did not improve viral clearance rates, but may have shortened the duration of viremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Franz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp A Reuken
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Sura Guliyeva
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Rose
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Katharina Boden
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Dianovis GmbH, Greiz, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Tony Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Gallacher J, Taha Y, da Silva Filipe A, Ijaz S, McPherson S. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and ribavirin for the treatment of ribavirin-refractory persistent hepatitis E virus infection. IDCases 2023; 32:e01741. [PMID: 36942308 PMCID: PMC10023993 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01741] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent Hepatitis E Virus infection (HEV) is a rare but increasingly recognised condition in immunocompromised individuals. Untreated, this infection can rapidly progress to cirrhosis. Ribavirin is recommended as the first line treatment and the majority achieve sustained viral clearance. However, treatment options are limited for those who fail ribavirin. We report a case of a patients with ribavirin-refractory persistent HEV who responded to ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and ribavirin treatment. This patients had failed 2 course of ribavirin and 1 course of PEG-Interferon and ribavirin and he was known to harbour ribavirin-associated mutations (G1634R, D1384G and K1383N) in the RNA dependent RNA polymerase. He was treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF; Harvoni 90/400 mg) and ribavirin (R) 400 mg twice daily for 32 weeks. At treatment initiation his HEV RNA was 1.1 × 106 IU/ML and reduced to 1.8 × 104 IU/ML and 43 IU/ML at one and four weeks of treatment, respectively, becoming not detected in blood and stool by week eight. His blood HEV RNA remained undetectable for seven months after treatment completion. Unfortunately, at eight months post-treatment, his blood HEV RNA became detectable at a low level (35 IU/ML). His stool HEV RNA was also detectable at 620 IU/ML consistent with a late relapse. He restarted LDV/SOF+R and by week four of treatment HEV RNA was not detected in blood and stool. He remains on treatment. In conclusion, this is the first report demonstrating the antiviral activity of LDV/SOF+R in the treatment of persistent HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gallacher
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Yusri Taha
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | - Ana da Silva Filipe
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Abravanel F, Lhomme S, Marion O, Péron JM, Kamar N, Izopet J. Diagnostic and management strategies for chronic hepatitis E infection. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:143-148. [PMID: 36625025 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2166932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) was initially thought to cause only acute infections, but the discovery of chronic hepatitis E in immunocompromised patients has profoundly changed our understanding of the virus. AREAS COVERED We describe the physiopathology, diagnosis, and clinical management of chronic HEV infection. The virus can persist in nearly two-thirds of immunosuppressed patients. Reducing immunosuppression is the first immunomodulatory strategy to cure chronic hepatitis E. But this may not always be feasible or effective. Ribavirin monotherapy for 3 months has been recommended as first-line treatment for chronically infected patients. Ribavirin is around 80% effective at eradicating HEV in retrospective studies. Apart from ribavirin, interferon has been successfully used in liver transplants recipients, but if the patient does not respond, no other alternative drug is available. The vaccine available to prevent HEV infection is one available only in China. EXPERT OPINION HEV infection is a major concern in immunocompromised patients. But the therapeutic arsenal is limited to ribavirin and interferon. Both produce several side effects and new drugs are urgently needed. Moreover, preventive strategies to limit HEV transmission and/or evolution to a chronic infection are also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Abravanel
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Marion
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, département de Néphrologie et transplantation d'organe, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean Marie Péron
- CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, département de Gastroentérologie, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, département de Néphrologie et transplantation d'organe, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
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Ankcorn MJ, Ijaz S, McPherson S. Response to Robins et al. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:82. [PMID: 36081342 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Ankcorn
- Department of Virology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Infection and Tropical Medicine, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Geng Y, Shi T, Wang Y. Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:73-92. [PMID: 37223860 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) occurs predominantly by the fecal-oral route. Large epidemics of hepatitis E in the developing countries of Asia and Africa are waterborne and spread through contaminated drinking water. The reservoir of HEV in developed countries is believed to be in animals with zoonotic transmission to humans, possibly through direct contact or the consumption of undercooked contaminated meat. And HEV transmission through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and vertical transmission has been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Tengfei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.
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Unmet Needs for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Immunocompromised Patients. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102116. [PMID: 36298671 PMCID: PMC9611326 DOI: 10.3390/v14102116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most prevalent hepatitis virus worldwide. Genotypes 3 (HEV3) and 4 (HEV4) as well as rat HEV can lead to chronic hepatitis E and cirrhosis in immunosuppressed patients. Within the last decade, several options for treating chronic hepatitis have been developed and have achieved a sustained virological response. However, there are still unmet needs such as optimizing immunosuppression to allow HEV clearance with or without ribavirin, as well as alternative therapies to ribavirin that are discussed in this paper.
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Robins A, Dolman G, Williams S, Gelson W, Mohsen A. Hepatitis E case series: A UK experience. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:817-822. [PMID: 35652356 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of hepatitis E continues to increase and in immunocompromised patients can lead to chronic infection. Management of hepatitis E has evolved over time, with the first step being a reduction of immunosuppression followed by treatment with ribavirin. The European Association for the Study of Liver guidelines support treatment with ribavirin although the optimum dose and regime is unknown. This series reviews eight chronically infected cases treated between 2018 and 2021 in two UK centres (Ipswich Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital). Treatment response was defined primarily as sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) following the cessation of treatment and secondly as sustained virological response at 24 weeks (SVR24). The median dose of ribavirin given daily was 600 mg. The management of five of the eight cases was in line with the guidelines, and treatment was stopped after 12 weeks. Two of these five patients achieved SVR (40%). The remaining three cases were given a 24-week course based on clinical judgement, and all achieved SVR (100%). The three patients who relapsed received a second 24-week course of treatment and achieved SVR. Therefore, with a 24-week course, a 100% treatment success rate was attained. In chronic hepatitis E, a 24-week course of ribavirin would achieve optimum clearance rates with a single course of treatment. Ensuring the highest dose of ribavirin as possible (aiming to reach 800 mg daily) and attempts to reduce immunosuppressive therapy safely may also be relevant to achieving SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Robins
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Ipswich, UK
| | - Grace Dolman
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon Williams
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Ipswich, UK
| | - William Gelson
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Abdul Mohsen
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Ipswich, UK
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Correia AL, Pimenta AC, Carias E, Guedes Marques M, Leal R, Rodrigues L, Santos L, Romãozinho C, Leitão J, Alves R, Figueiredo A. A Less Common Cause of Acute Hepatitis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Case Series. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:1278-1281. [PMID: 35768296 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality, representing an important global public health problem. Immunocompetent patients with acute hepatitis E can clear the infection spontaneously; however, in approximately two thirds of cases, immunosuppressed patients, such as kidney transplant (KT) recipients, fail to clear the HEV infection and develop chronic hepatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS We report 3 cases of HEV infection in KT patients. Two presented only with laboratory abnormalities and elevated liver enzymes, and 1 presented with symptomatic disease motivating hospital admission. None was able to clear the infection spontaneously, and they were all treated with ribavirin, accompanied with reduction of immunosuppressive drugs. Adverse effects of the treatment were reported in 2 patients, and in 1 case, a dose reduction was necessary. All patients responded to the treatment and have no current evidence of active disease. No alterations of basal kidney function during or related to the treatment were registered. DISCUSSION HEV screening in KT patients presenting with abnormal liver function of undetermined cause is fundamental, as it might have poorer outcomes in this specific population. The treatment with ribavirin seems to be safe and effective, although we must always be alert to potential side effects, maintaining a close follow-up of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Correia
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ana Carolina Pimenta
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Carias
- Nephrology Department, University Hospital Center of Algarve, Algarve, Portugal
| | - Maria Guedes Marques
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Leal
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Rodrigues
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lídia Santos
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Romãozinho
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Leitão
- Internal Medicine Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Alves
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arnaldo Figueiredo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Urology and Renal Transplant Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
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Cheung CKM, Wong SH, Law AWH, Law MF. Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E: What we know so far? World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:47-75. [PMID: 35125819 PMCID: PMC8793017 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i1.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of viral hepatitis globally. There is growing concern about transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) as an emerging global health problem. HEV can potentially result in chronic infection in immunocompromised patients, leading to a higher risk of liver cirrhosis and even death. Between 0.0013% and 0.281% of asymptomatic blood donors around the world have HEV viremia, and 0.27% to 60.5% have anti-HEV immunoglobulin G. HEV is infectious even at very low blood concentrations of the virus. Immunosuppressed patients who develop persistent hepatitis E infection should have their immunosuppressant regimen reduced; ribavirin may be considered as treatment. Pegylated interferon can be considered in those who are refractory or intolerant to ribavirin. Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide analog, showed modest antiviral activity in some clinical studies but sustained viral response was not achieved. Therefore, rescue treatment remains an unmet need. The need for HEV screening of all blood donations remains controversial. Universal screening has been adopted in some countries after consideration of risk and resource availability. Various pathogen reduction methods have also been proposed to reduce the risk of TT-HEV. Future studies are needed to define the incidence of transmission through transfusion, their clinical features, outcomes and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 852, China
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | | | - Man Fai Law
- Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong 852, China
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Sanabria-Cabrera J, Sanjuán-Jiménez R, Clavijo E, Medina-Cáliz I, González-Jiménez A, García-Cortés M, Ortega-Alonso A, Jiménez-Pérez M, González-Grande R, Stephens C, Robles-Díaz M, Lucena MI, Andrade RJ. Incidence and prevalence of acute hepatitis E virus infection in patients with suspected Drug-Induced Liver Injury in the Spanish DILI Registry. Liver Int 2021; 41:1523-1531. [PMID: 33107176 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) presents with a wide phenotypic spectrum requiring an extensive differential diagnosis. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is not systematically ruled out during acute hepatitis assessment in Spain. The aims of this study were to establish the role of HEV infection and its phenotypic presentation in patients initially suspected of DILI and to determine the anti-HEV seroprevalence rate. METHODS An analysis of 265 patients with suspected DILI and considered for enrolment in the Spanish DILI Registry and 108 controls with normal liver profiles was undertaken. Anti-HEV Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies were analysed in serum from all subjects. In those with serum samples extracted within 6 months from liver damage onset (n = 144), HEV antigen (Ag) and anti-HEV IgM antibodies were tested in duplicate by ELISA. In addition, RT-PCR was performed externally in eight patients. RESULTS Out of 144 patients, 12 (8%) were positive for anti-HEV IgM, mean age was 61 years. Underlying hepatic diseases (OR = 23.4, P < .001) and AST peak >20 fold upper limit of normal (OR = 10.9, P = .002) were associated with the diagnosis of acute hepatitis E. The overall anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence rate was 35%, evenly distributed between patients with suspected DILI (34%), and controls (39%). CONCLUSIONS HEV seroprevalence and acute hepatitis E rates are relatively high in Spain. A search for active HEV infection is therefore advised in patients assessed for suspicion of DILI, particularly in patients with underlying liver diseases and high transaminase levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Sanabria-Cabrera
- UICEC IBIMA, Plataforma SCReN (Spanish Clinical Research Network), Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Malaga, Málaga, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Rocío Sanjuán-Jiménez
- UICEC IBIMA, Plataforma SCReN (Spanish Clinical Research Network), Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Malaga, Málaga, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Encarnación Clavijo
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Medina-Cáliz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Andrés González-Jiménez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miren García-Cortés
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aida Ortega-Alonso
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel Jiménez-Pérez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Rocío González-Grande
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Regional de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Camilla Stephens
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Robles-Díaz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Isabel Lucena
- UICEC IBIMA, Plataforma SCReN (Spanish Clinical Research Network), Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Malaga, Málaga, Spain
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl J Andrade
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- CIBERehd (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Madrid, Spain
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Oshiro Y, Harada H, Hasegawa K, Akutsu N, Yoshizumi T, Kawagishi N, Nanmoku K, Ichimaru N, Okamura K, Ohira M, Itabashi Y, Fujiyama N, Ide K, Okajima H, Ogawa K, Takagi K, Eguchi H, Shinoda M, Nishida K, Shimazaki J, Shimoda M, Takahashi M, Okamoto H, Suzuki S. Loss of antibodies to hepatitis E virus in organ transplant patients with hepatitis E. Hepatol Res 2021; 51:538-547. [PMID: 33749100 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Studies regarding changes in antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) after HEV infection in organ transplant patients are limited. This study aimed to clarify HEV infection trends in organ transplant patients who contracted HEV using data from a previous Japanese nationwide survey. METHODS This study was undertaken from 2012 to 2019. Among 4518 liver, heart, and kidney transplant patients, anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were positive in 164; data were collected from 106 of these patients, who consented to participate in the study. In total, 32 liver transplant patients, seven heart transplant patients, and 67 kidney transplant patients from 16 institutions in Japan were examined for IgG, IgM, and IgM antibodies to HEV and the presence of HEV RNA in the serum. The χ2 -test was used to determine the relationship between the early and late postinfection groups in patients with anti-HEV IgG positive-to-negative conversion rates. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare clinical factors. RESULTS Anti-HEV IgG positive-to-negative conversion occurred in 25 (23.6%) of 106 organ transplant patients. Of eight patients with hepatitis E who tested positive for HEV RNA, one (14.0%) had anti-HEV IgG positive-to-negative conversion. Twenty-four (24.5%) of 98 patients negative for HEV RNA had anti-HEV IgG positive-to-negative conversion. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed, for the first time, the changes in HEV antibodies in organ transplant patients. Loss of anti-HEV IgG could often occur unexpectedly in organ transplant patients with previous HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukio Oshiro
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Harada
- Kidney Transplant Surgery, Sapporo City General Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hasegawa
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Artificial Organs and Transplantation Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naotake Akutsu
- Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Chibahigashi National Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomoharu Yoshizumi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Koji Nanmoku
- Department of Renal Surgery and Transplantation, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Naotsugu Ichimaru
- Department of Advanced Technology for Transplantation, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Kenichi Okamura
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Itabashi
- Department of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Fujiyama
- Center for Kidney Disease and Transplantation, Akita University Hospital, Akita, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ide
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hideaki Okajima
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogawa
- Department of HPB and Breast Surgery, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Kosei Takagi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Masahiro Shinoda
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, Japan
| | - Jiro Shimazaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, Japan
| | - Mitsugi Shimoda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, Japan
| | - Masaharu Takahashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Shuji Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Ibaraki Medical Center, Ami, Japan
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15
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a cosmopolitan foodborne pathogen. The viral agent infects humans through the consumption of contaminated food (uncooked or undercooked). Most cases of infection are asymptomatic and for this reason, this pathology is considered underdiagnosed. Domestic and wild animals are considered natural reservoirs: that is, domestic pig, wild boar, sheep, goat, deer, rabbit, and so on. Therefore, various work categories are at risk: that is, veterinarians, farmers, hunters, slaughterhouse workers, and so on. In these last decades, researchers found a high percentage of positivity to the molecular viral detection in several food matrices included: ready-to-eat products, processed meat products, milk, and shellfish. This review aims to provide an international scenario regarding HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) detection in several foodstuffs. From this investigative perspective, the study aims to highlight various gaps of the current knowledge about technologies treatments' impact on viral loads. The purpose was also to provide an innovative point of view "One Health"-based, pointing out the strategic role of environmental safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Ferri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Inspection, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Vergara
- Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco," Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Inspection, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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16
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Hansrivijit P, Trongtorsak A, Puthenpura MM, Boonpheng B, Thongprayoon C, Wijarnpreecha K, Choudhury A, Kaewput W, Mao SA, Mao MA, Jadlowiec CC, Cheungpasitporn W. Hepatitis E in solid organ transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:1240-1254. [PMID: 33828397 PMCID: PMC8006097 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i12.1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is underdiagnosed due to the use of serological assays with low sensitivity. Although most patients with HEV recover completely, HEV infection among patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease and organ-transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy can result in decompensated liver disease and death.
AIM To demonstrate the prevalence of HEV infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients.
METHODS We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for eligible articles through October 2020. The inclusion criteria consisted of adult patients with history of SOT. HEV infection is confirmed by either HEV-immunoglobulin G, HEV-immunoglobulin M, or HEV RNA assay.
RESULTS Of 563 citations, a total of 22 studies (n = 4557) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled estimated prevalence of HEV infection in SOT patients was 20.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 14.9-26.8]. The pooled estimated prevalence of HEV infection for each organ transplant was as follows: liver (27.2%; 95%CI: 20.0-35.8), kidney (12.8%; 95%CI: 9.3-17.3), heart (12.8%; 95%CI: 9.3-17.3), and lung (5.6%; 95%CI: 1.6-17.9). Comparison across organ transplants demonstrated statistical significance (Q = 16.721, P = 0.002). The subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of HEV infection among SOT recipients was significantly higher in middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. The pooled estimated prevalence of de novo HEV infection was 5.1% (95%CI: 2.6-9.6) and the pooled estimated prevalence of acute HEV infection was 4.3% (95%CI: 1.9-9.4).
CONCLUSION HEV infection is common in SOT recipients, particularly in middle-income countries. The prevalence of HEV infection in lung transplant recipients is considerably less common than other organ transplants. More studies examining the clinical impacts of HEV infection in SOT recipients, such as graft failure, rejection, and mortality are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panupong Hansrivijit
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC Pinnacle, Harrisburg, PA 17104, United States
| | - Angkawipa Trongtorsak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amita Health Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL 60202, United States
| | - Max M Puthenpura
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - Boonphiphop Boonpheng
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Division of Nephrology, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Charat Thongprayoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
| | - Karn Wijarnpreecha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - Avishek Choudhury
- School of Systems and Enterprises, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, United States
| | - Wisit Kaewput
- Department of Military and Community Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Shennen A Mao
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - Michael A Mao
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, United States
| | - Caroline C Jadlowiec
- Department of Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, United States
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17
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Identification of the interferon-inducible GTPase GBP1 as major restriction factor for the Hepatitis E virus. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.01564-20. [PMID: 33472929 PMCID: PMC8092694 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01564-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to gain deeper insight into HEV-induced innate immunity by characterizing the crosstalk between the virus and the host factor guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1). We observe that the amount of GBP1 is elevated upon infection, although number of transcripts is decreased, which is explained by a prolonged protein half-life. Modulation of GBP1 levels via overexpression significantly inhibits the viral life cycle. Use of various GBP-1 mutants revealed that the antiviral effect of GBP-1 on HEV is independent from the GTPase-activity, but depends on the capacity of GBP-1 to form GBP1 homodimers. This connects GBP-1 to the autophagosomal pathway. Indeed, dimerization competent GBP1 targets the viral capsid protein to the lysosomal compartment leading to inactivation of the viral particle. Most importantly, silencing of GBP1 abolishes the antiviral effect of IFNγ on HEV. In IFNγ treated cells the virus is targeted to lysosomal structures and destroyed therein. This process depends in part on GBP1. These observations about the relevance of GBP1 for type II interferon-mediated innate immunity against HEV could be a base for tailoring novel antivirals and improvement of disease management.IMPORTANCE Although HEV represents a worldwide public health problem with 20 million infections and 44.000 death cases per year, there are still no specific antivirals available and many aspects of the viral life cycle are not well understood. Here we identify the guanylate binding protein 1 (GBP1) as a restriction factor affecting life cycle of HEV. Surprisingly, the antiviral effect of GBP1 does not depend on its GTPase function, but on its capacity to homodimerize. We revealed that GBP1 exerts its antiviral activity by targeting HEV to the lysosomal compartment where the virus is inactivated. Most importantly, we observed that the antiviral effect of interferon-γ on HEV strongly depends on GBP1. Our observation that GBP1 impairs HEV and is crucial for the antiviral effect of interferons on HEV extends understanding of host defense-mechanisms. As the interferon-system represents a universal defense-mechanism, our study could help to design novel antivirals targeting.
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18
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Gorris M, van der Lecq BM, van Erpecum KJ, de Bruijne J. Treatment for chronic hepatitis E virus infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:454-463. [PMID: 33301609 PMCID: PMC7898834 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus infection can cause chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients with significant chance of progressive fibrosis and possibly cirrhosis. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the efficacy and safety of the various treatment options for chronic hepatitis E. We performed a systematic literature search. The primary outcome measure was a sustained virological response (SVR). Secondary end points were rapid virological response (RVR), relapse rates, side effects and adverse events. Forty-four articles were included with a total of 582 patients. Reduction of immunosuppressive medication induced viral clearance in 55/174 (32%) of the patients. Meta-analysis of 395 patients showed a pooled SVR rate of 78% (95-CI 72%-84%) after ribavirin treatment. Twenty-five per cent of the patients obtained a RVR, whereas a relapse occurred in 18% of the patients. Anaemia during treatment led to dose reduction, use of erythropoietin and/or blood transfusion in 37% of the patients. A second treatment attempt with ribavirin led to a SVR in 39/51 (76%) of the patients. Pegylated interferon-alpha was administered to 13 patients and SVR was obtained in 85%. Two patients (15%) suffered from acute transplant rejection during treatment with interferon. In conclusion, reduction of immunosuppressive medication and treatment with ribavirin is safe, generally well tolerated and induced viral clearance in 32% and 78% of patients, respectively. Therefore, ribavirin should be considered as first treatment step for chronic hepatitis E. Treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha increases the risk of transplant rejection and should therefore be administered with great caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrte Gorris
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Bernice M. van der Lecq
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Karel J. van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Joep de Bruijne
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
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19
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Buescher G, Ozga AK, Lorenz E, Pischke S, May J, Addo MM, Horvatits T. Hepatitis E seroprevalence and viremia rate in immunocompromised patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Int 2021; 41:449-455. [PMID: 33034121 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis E is an infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Immunocompromised patients present a particular risk group, as chronification of hepatitis E leading to life-threatening cirrhosis occurs when these patients are infected. Therefore, this study aims to estimate and compare the anti-HEV seroprevalence and the rate of HEV RNA positivity in transplant recipients and patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS This systematic review and meta-analysis involved a literature search (PubMed, Scopus; 1,138 studies) including 120 studies from 1996 to 2019, reporting anti-HEV seroprevalence and/or HEV-RNA positivity. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed-effects meta regression model. RESULTS Anti-HEV seroprevalence in 14 626 transplant recipients ranged from 6% (95% CI: 1.9-17.2) to 29.6% (95% CI: 21.6-39.) in different commercially available assays and did not differ significantly compared to 20 825 HIV positive patients (range: 3.5% (95% CI: 0.9-12.8) - 19.4% (95% CI: 13.5-26.9). In contrast, HEV-RNA positivity rate was significantly higher in transplant recipients than in HIV positive patients (1.2% (95% CI: 0.9-1.6) vs 0.39% (95% CI: 0.2-0.7); P-value = 0.0011). CONCLUSION Anti-HEV seroprevalence did not differ significantly between transplant recipients and HIV positive patients. Interestingly, rates of HEV-RNA positivity, indicating ongoing infection, were significantly higher in transplant recipients. These findings demonstrate that transplant patients have an elevated risk of chronic infection in comparison to HIV patients at comparable risk of HEV-exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Buescher
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Ozga
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eva Lorenz
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany.,Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany
| | - Jürgen May
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany
| | - Marylyn M Addo
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany
| | - Thomas Horvatits
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, Germany
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20
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Glitscher M, Martín DH, Woytinek K, Schmidt B, Tabari D, Scholl C, Stingl JC, Seelow E, Choi M, Hildt E. Targeting Cholesterol Metabolism as Efficient Antiviral Strategy Against the Hepatitis E Virus. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:159-180. [PMID: 33601063 PMCID: PMC8099564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The Hepatitis E virus hijacks the endosomal system for its release. These structures are highly dependent on cholesterol. Hence, this study investigates the impact of HEV on cholesterol-metabolism, the effect of intracellular cholesterol content on HEV-release and the potential of cholesterol-modulators to serve as antivirals. METHODS Intracellular cholesterol-content of cells was modulated and impacts on HEV were monitored using qPCR, Western blot, microscopy, virus-titration and density-gradient centrifugation. Blood-lipids and HEV-RNA were routinely quantified in chronically infected patients during follow-up visits. RESULTS In HEV-infected cells, decreased levels of cholesterol are found. In patients, HEV infection decreases serum-lipid concentrations. Importantly, statin treatment herein increases viral titers. Similarly, reduction of intracellular cholesterol via simvastatin treatment increases viral release in vitro. On the contrary, elevating intracellular cholesterol via LDL or 25-hydroxycholesterol strongly reduces viral release due to enhanced lysosomal degradation of HEV. Drug-induced elevation of intracellular cholesterol via fenofibrate or PSC833 impairs HEV release via the same mechanism. CONCLUSIONS This study analyses the crosstalk between HEV and intracellular cholesterol. The results highlight the importance of an intact cholesterol homeostasis for HEV-release and thereby identify a potential target for antiviral strategies. Especially fenofibrate is considered a promising novel antiviral against HEV. Beyond this, the study may help clinicians evaluating co-treatments of HEV-infected patients with statins, as this may be counter indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Denna Tabari
- Research Division, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Bonn, Germany
| | - Catharina Scholl
- Research Division, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Bonn, Germany
| | - Julia C. Stingl
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Evelyn Seelow
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mira Choi
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Department Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany,Correspondence Address requests for correspondence to Eberhard Hildt, Department Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany. fax: +49610377772140.
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Ankcorn M, Said B, Morgan D, Elsharkawy AM, Maggs J, Ryder S, Valliani T, Gordon F, Abeysekera K, Suri D, McPherson S, Galliford J, Smith B, Pelosi E, Bansal S, Bethune C, Sheridan D, Vine L, Tedder RS, Ijaz S, Zuckerman M, Dalton H, Healy B, Donati M, Bicknell K, Evans C, Poller B, Smit E, Halsema C, Williams E, Raza M, McGann H, Irving W, Douthwaite S, Ch'ng CL, McCaughey C, Irish D. Persistent Hepatitis E virus infection across England and Wales 2009-2017: Demography, virology and outcomes. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:420-430. [PMID: 33073452 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The first clinical case of persistent HEV infection in England was reported in 2009. We describe the demography, virology and outcomes of patients identified with persistent HEV infection in England and Wales between 2009 and 2017. A series of 94 patients with persistent HEV infection, defined by HEV viraemia of more than 12 weeks, was identified through routine reference laboratory testing. Virology, serology and clinical data were recorded through an approved PHE Enhanced Surveillance System. Sixty-six cases (70.2%) were transplant recipients, 16 (17.0%) had an underlying haematological malignancy without stem cell transplantation, six (6.4%) had advanced HIV infection, five (5.3%) were otherwise immunosuppressed, and one patient (1.1%) had no identified immunosuppression. Retrospective analysis of 46 patients demonstrated a median 38 weeks of viraemia before diagnostic HEV testing. At initial diagnosis, 16 patients (17.0%) had no detectable anti-HEV serological response. Of 65 patients treated with ribavirin monotherapy, 11 (16.9%) suffered virological relapse despite undetectable RNA in plasma or stool at treatment cessation. Persistent HEV infection remains a rare diagnosis, but we demonstrate that a broad range of immunocompromised patients are susceptible. Both lack of awareness and the pauci-symptomatic nature of persistent HEV infection likely contribute to significant delays in diagnosis. Diagnosis should rely on molecular testing since anti-HEV serology is insufficient to exclude persistent HEV infection. Finally, despite treatment with ribavirin, relapses occur even after cessation of detectable faecal shedding of HEV RNA, further emphasising the requirement to demonstrate sustained virological responses to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ankcorn
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.,Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | - Bengü Said
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Dilys Morgan
- Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - James Maggs
- Department of Gastroenterology, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Buckinghamshire, UK
| | - Stephen Ryder
- Department of Hepatology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Talal Valliani
- North Bristol Liver Unit, North Bristol NHS Trust, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Fiona Gordon
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Kushala Abeysekera
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Deepak Suri
- Department of Hepatology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, & Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Jack Galliford
- Department of Nephrology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Belinda Smith
- Department of Hepatology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Emanuela Pelosi
- Department of Infection, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Sanjay Bansal
- Department of Paediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology & Nutrition Center, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Claire Bethune
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - David Sheridan
- South West Liver Unit, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Louisa Vine
- South West Liver Unit, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Richard S Tedder
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.,Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
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A Nationwide Survey of Hepatitis E Virus Infection and Chronic Hepatitis in Heart and Kidney Transplant Recipients in Japan. Transplantation 2020; 104:437-444. [PMID: 31205267 PMCID: PMC7004465 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background. Recently, chronic hepatitis E has been reported in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in European countries. Previously, we clarified the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Japanese liver transplant recipients and identified 2 chronic hepatitis E patients infected by blood transfusion. However, the rate of HEV infection in recipients of SOTs other than liver in Japan remains unclear, so we conducted a nationwide survey to clarify the prevalence of chronic HEV infection in Japanese heart and kidney transplant recipients. Methods. A total of 99 heart and 2526 kidney transplant recipients in 17 hospitals in Japan were examined for the presence of the IgG class of anti-HEV antibodies as well as for serum HEV RNA. Results. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG among heart and kidney transplant recipients was 7.07% (7/99) and 4.08% (103/2526), respectively. One heart transplant patient (1.01%) and 11 kidney transplant patients (0.44%) were found to be positive for HEV RNA. The HEV isolates from all viremic patients were typed as genotype 3. Four patients developed chronic hepatitis E after transplantation. Three patients were treated with ribavirin; their liver enzymes normalized, and HEV RNA became negative immediately. Sustained virologic response was achieved in all cases. Conclusions. This is the first nationwide survey of HEV infection in Japanese heart and kidney transplant recipients. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and HEV RNA in heart and kidney transplant recipients in Japan was lower than that in European countries. Of note, 42% of viremic transplant patients developed chronic hepatitis.
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Casper M, Reichert MC, Rissland J, Grünhage F, Lammert F. Ribavirin long-term treatment for chronic hepatitis E virus infection in a liver transplant recipient. Dig Liver Dis 2020; 52:926-927. [PMID: 32553699 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Casper
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany.
| | - M C Reichert
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - J Rissland
- Institute of Virology, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - F Grünhage
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - F Lammert
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has gained increased global recognition in recent years, particularly in developed countries. We summarized here a selection of the literature published since the 1st of June, 2017. RECENT FINDINGS Longitudinal studies are increasingly conducted in Europe, to determine trends in HEV prevalence. The spectrum of mammals infected with HEV and potentially capable to transmit it to humans has widened. New virological data on HEV repCon and pathogenicity have been reported and clinical features of HEV infections have been precised or newly described. Finally, there are some new data on the therapeutic management of HEV infections in various clinical settings. SUMMARY HEV emergence in developed countries appears to be based on improved diagnosis tools and increased awareness of clinicians that HEV transmission is essentially autochthonous and is a possible cause of life-threatening acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and extra-hepatic symptoms. In addition, the distribution of HEV strains evolves. Ribavirin remains to date the only specific treatment recommended for HEV infection, being efficient in the majority but not in all cases.
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Whitsett M, Feldman DM, Jacobson I. Hepatitis E Virus Infection in the United States: Current Understanding of the Prevalence and Significance in the Liver Transplant Patient Population and Proposed Diagnostic and Treatment Strategies. Liver Transpl 2020; 26:709-717. [PMID: 32061053 DOI: 10.1002/lt.25732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), of the family Herpesviridae, is a virus that infects nearly 20 million people per year throughout the world. HEV is most commonly transmitted via the fecal-oral route and has long been described as a virus that afflicts only those in resource-poor countries. However, HEV has been detected in numerous animal carriers, various food sources, and even in human blood products in resource-rich regions of the world. HEV is of importance in the transplant patient population because of its ability to cause chronic viral infection in these patients can lead to graft loss and cirrhosis. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of HEV as it pertains to the liver transplant patient population and discuss diagnosis and treatment of this infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Whitsett
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY
| | - David M Feldman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY
| | - Ira Jacobson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY
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Hepatitis E Virus Infection in an Italian Cohort of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients: Seroprevalence and Infection. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2020; 26:1355-1362. [PMID: 32200124 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients is an emerging threat. The aim of this study was to provide data on the HEV burden in an Italian cohort of HSCT recipients and analyze risk factors for HEV seropositivity. This retrospective study reports data from 596 HSCT recipients compiled between 2010 and 2019. It included patients who underwent transplantation between 2010 and 2015 for whom pretransplantation (n = 419) and post-transplantation (n = 161) serum samples were available and tested retrospectively, as well as patients in whom prospective HEV testing was performed during the standard care: pre-HSCT IgG screening in 144, pre-HSCT HEV-RNA screening in addition to IgG screening in 60, and HEV-RNA testing in case of clinical suspicion of HEV infection in 59 (26 of whom were also included in the IgG screening cohorts). The rate of pre-HSCT HEV-IgG positivity was 6.0% (34 of 563). Older age was an independent risk factor for seropositivity (P = .039). None of the 34 HEV-IgG-positive patients had detectable HEV-RNA. One case of transient HEV-RNA positivity pre-HSCT was identified through screening. Two patients were diagnosed with chronic HEV hepatitis, and 1 patient was successfully treated with ribavirin. The burden of HEV infection in HSCT recipients in Italy is limited, and pre-HSCT screening appears to be of no benefit. Timely diagnosis of HEV infection with HEV-RNA is mandatory in cases of clinical suspicion.
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Darstein F, Häuser F, Mittler J, Zimmermann A, Lautem A, Hoppe-Lotichius M, Otto G, Lang H, Galle PR, Zimmermann T. Hepatitis E Is a Rare Finding in Liver Transplant Patients With Chronic Elevated Liver Enzymes and Biopsy-Proven Acute Rejection. Transplant Proc 2020; 52:926-931. [PMID: 32139278 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In past decades, liver transplant (LT) patients were not routinely screened for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, and thus it might have been misdiagnosed as an acute rejection episode. Our aim was to analyze a real-world cohort of LT patients who presented with at least 1 episode of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) and suffered from persistent elevated transaminases, to evaluate the frequency of HEV infection misdiagnosed as a rejection episode. METHODS Data from 306 patients transplanted between 1997 and 2017, including 565 liver biopsies, were analyzed. Biopsies from patients suffering from hepatitis C (n = 79; 25.8%) and from patients who presented with a Rejection Activity Index <5 (n = 134; 43.8%) were excluded. A subgroup of 74 patients (with 134 BPAR) with persistently elevated liver enzymes was chosen for further HEV testing. RESULTS Positive HEV IgG was detectable in 18 of 73 patients (24.7%). Positive HEV RNA was diagnosed in 3 of 73 patients with BPAR (4.1%). Patients with HEV infection showed no difference in etiology of the liver disease, type of immunosuppression, or median Rejection Activity Index. CONCLUSION Few HEV infections were misdiagnosed as acute rejection episodes in this real-world cohort. Thus, HEV infection is an infrequent diagnosis in cases with persistent elevated liver enzymes and BPAR after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Darstein
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - F Häuser
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - J Mittler
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - A Zimmermann
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - A Lautem
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - M Hoppe-Lotichius
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - G Otto
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - H Lang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - P R Galle
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - T Zimmermann
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Ankcorn MJ, Tedder RS, Cairns J, Sandmann FG. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Screening for Persistent Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Patients in the United Kingdom: A Model-Based Economic Evaluation. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 23:309-318. [PMID: 32197726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2019.09.2751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite potentially severe and fatal outcomes, recent studies of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients in Europe suggest that hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is underdiagnosed, with a prevalence of active infection of up to 4.4%. OBJECTIVES To determine the cost-effectiveness of introducing routine screening for HEV infection in SOT recipients in the UK. METHODS A Markov cohort model was developed to evaluate the cost-utility of 4 HEV screening options over the lifetime of 1000 SOT recipients. The current baseline of nonsystematic testing was compared with annual screening of all patients by polymerase chain reaction (PCR; strategy A) or HEV-antigen (HEV-Ag) detection (strategy B) and selective screening of patients who have a raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value by PCR (strategy C) or HEV-Ag (strategy D). The primary outcome was the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). We adopted the National Health Service (NHS) perspective and discounted future costs and benefits at 3.5%. RESULTS At a willingness-to-pay of £20 000/QALY gained, systematic screening of SOT patients by any method (strategy A-D) had a high probability (77.9%) of being cost-effective. Among screening strategies, strategy D is optimal and expected to be cost-saving to the NHS; if only PCR testing strategies are considered, then strategy C becomes cost-effective (£660/QALY). These findings were robust against a wide range of sensitivity and scenario analyses. CONCLUSIONS Our model showed that routine screening for HEV in SOT patients is very likely to be cost-effective in the UK, particularly in patients presenting with an abnormal alanine aminotransferase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Ankcorn
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, England, UK; Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, England, UK.
| | - Richard S Tedder
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, England, UK; Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, England, UK; Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England, UK
| | - John Cairns
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England, UK
| | - Frank G Sandmann
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, England, UK; Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, England, UK
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Rivero-Juárez A, Aguilera A, Avellón A, García-Deltoro M, García F, Gortazar C, Granados R, Macías J, Merchante N, Oteo JA, Pérez-Gracia MT, Pineda JA, Rivero A, Rodriguez-Lazaro D, Téllez F, Morano-Amado LE. Executive summary: Consensus document of the diagnosis, management and prevention of infection with the hepatitis E virus: Study Group for Viral Hepatitis (GEHEP) of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC). Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin 2020; 38:28-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eimc.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Rivero-Juarez A, Vallejo N, Lopez-Lopez P, Díaz-Mareque AI, Frias M, Vallejo A, Caballero-Gómez J, Rodríguez-Velasco M, Molina E, Aguilera A. Ribavirin as a First Treatment Approach for Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Transplant Recipient Patients. Microorganisms 2019; 8:E51. [PMID: 31888090 PMCID: PMC7022260 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of acute hepatitis of viral origin worldwide. Despite its usual course as an asymptomatic self-limited hepatitis, there are highly susceptible populations, such as those with underlying immunosuppression, which could develop chronic hepatitis. In this situation, implementation of therapy is mandatory in the sense to facilitate viral clearance. Currently, there are no specific drugs approved for HEV infection, but ribavirin (RBV), the drug of choice, is used for off-label treatment. Here, we present two cases of chronic HEV infection in transplant patients, reviewing and discussing the therapeutic approach available in the literature. The use of RBV for the treatment of an HEV infection in organ transplant patients seems to be effective. The recommendation of 12 weeks of therapy is adequate in terms of efficacy. Nevertheless, there are important issues that urgently need to be assessed, such as optimal duration of therapy and drug dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses research group, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14006 Cordoba, Spain; (P.L.-L.); (M.F.); (J.C.-G.)
| | - Nicolau Vallejo
- Digestive Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.V.); (E.M.)
| | - Pedro Lopez-Lopez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses research group, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14006 Cordoba, Spain; (P.L.-L.); (M.F.); (J.C.-G.)
| | - Ana Isabel Díaz-Mareque
- Nephrology Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain;
| | - Mario Frias
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses research group, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14006 Cordoba, Spain; (P.L.-L.); (M.F.); (J.C.-G.)
| | - Aldara Vallejo
- Microbiology Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.V.); (M.R.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Clinical Virology and Zoonoses research group, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Universidad de Córdoba, 14006 Cordoba, Spain; (P.L.-L.); (M.F.); (J.C.-G.)
- Animal Health Department, University of Cordoba-Agrifood Excellence International Campus (ceiA3), 15705 Cordoba, Spain
| | - María Rodríguez-Velasco
- Microbiology Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.V.); (M.R.-V.); (A.A.)
| | - Esther Molina
- Digestive Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (N.V.); (E.M.)
| | - Antonio Aguilera
- Microbiology Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (A.V.); (M.R.-V.); (A.A.)
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Chauhan A, Webb G, Ferguson J. Clinical presentations of Hepatitis E: A clinical review with representative case histories. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2019; 43:649-657. [PMID: 30808575 PMCID: PMC6864596 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) typically causes an acute, self-limiting hepatitis and is among the commonest cause of such presentations. Hepatitis E viral infection is also increasingly recognized as a cause of chronic hepatitis amongst the immunocompromised, particularly amongst solid organ transplant recipients. Chronic HEV infection remains an underdiagnosed disease and chronic infection can lead to rapidly progressive liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. This review examines current understanding of the HEV. We illustrate typical clinical presentations, management strategies [(based upon guidelines from both the British Transplant Society (BTS) and European Association for the study of liver (EASL)] and outcomes of HEV infection in different cohorts of patients by highlighting select transplant and non-transplant patient cases, from one of the largest tertiary Hepatology centres in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chauhan
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, United Kingdom,Liver unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, United Kingdom,Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom,Corresponding author at: University Hospitals Birmingham, Office 6, 2nd floor Institution of Translational Medicine, United Kingdom.
| | - Gwilym Webb
- Liver unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, United Kingdom,Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - James Ferguson
- Liver unit, University Hospitals Birmingham, United Kingdom
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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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Ankcorn M, Gallacher J, Ijaz S, Taha Y, Harvala H, Maclennan S, Thomson EC, Davis C, Singer JB, da Silva Filipe A, Smollett K, Niebel M, Semple MG, Tedder RS, McPherson S. Convalescent plasma therapy for persistent hepatitis E virus infection. J Hepatol 2019; 71:434-438. [PMID: 31075322 PMCID: PMC7126959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ankcorn
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, UK; Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, UK.
| | - Jennifer Gallacher
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Yusri Taha
- Departments of Virology and Infectious Diseases, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Heli Harvala
- Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | - Sheila Maclennan
- Transfusion Medicine, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Leeds, UK
| | - Emma C. Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Chris Davis
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joshua B. Singer
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Marc Niebel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Malcolm G. Semple
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard S. Tedder
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, UK,Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, UK,Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK; Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK.
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Rivero-Juarez A, Lopez-Lopez P, Frias M, Rivero A. Hepatitis E Infection in HIV-Infected Patients. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1425. [PMID: 31297100 PMCID: PMC6608679 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. The majority of HEV cases occur in low-income countries, mainly Asia and Africa, where HEV causes large outbreaks associated with the consumption of contaminated water and high mortality in specific populations. In high-income countries, HEV infection is considered a zoonotic disease that is linked to the consumption of contaminated food. Although a high proportion of cases have self-limiting asymptomatic or subclinical infections, immunosuppression may modify the pathogenesis and clinical impact of this emerging disease. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Here, we review the current knowledge about the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, management and prevention of HEV infection in HIV-infected subjects. CONCLUSIONS Despite the increasing knowledge about the pathogenesis, epidemiology and clinical impact of HEV infection, several major factors are faced by HIV-infected patients, including treatment recommendations, immunization and risk practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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Lhomme S, Legrand-Abravanel F, Kamar N, Izopet J. Screening, diagnosis and risks associated with Hepatitis E virus infection. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2019; 17:403-418. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1613889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Lhomme
- Department of Virology, National reference center for Hepatitis E Virus, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
- Inserm UMR1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France
- Université de Toulouse, Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Legrand-Abravanel
- Department of Virology, National reference center for Hepatitis E Virus, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
- Inserm UMR1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France
- Université de Toulouse, Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Inserm UMR1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France
- Université de Toulouse, Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
- Department of Nephrology and Organs Transplantation, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Department of Virology, National reference center for Hepatitis E Virus, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France
- Inserm UMR1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France
- Université de Toulouse, Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
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Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Case Series. Transplant Proc 2019; 51:376-379. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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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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Rivero-Juarez A, Aguado R, Lopez-Lopez P, Sanchez-Frias M, Frias M, Briceño J, de la Mata M, Torre-Cisneros J, Rivero A. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in liver donors in Spain. Clin Microbiol Infect 2018; 24:1218-1219. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Todt D, Meister TL, Steinmann E. Hepatitis E virus treatment and ribavirin therapy: viral mechanisms of nonresponse. Curr Opin Virol 2018; 32:80-87. [PMID: 30384328 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause chronic infections in immunosuppressed patients with adverse clinical outcomes. Intervention strategies are limited with ribavirin (RBV) being the only main therapeutic option as off-label drug. Recent reports on RBV monotherapy failures show a coherence with the presence of certain single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and in-frame insertions in the hypervariable region of open reading frame 1 in the HEV genome. Importantly, some of the alterations were present in the viral population as minor variant before RBV administration. Individualized infection medicine by early detection of emerging viral variants in patients could improve treatment outcome and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Toni Luise Meister
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Darstein F, Häuser F, Straub BK, Wenzel JJ, Conradi R, Mittler J, Lang H, Galle PR, Zimmermann T. Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 is a common finding in liver-transplanted patients undergoing liver biopsy for elevated liver enzymes with a low De Ritis ratio and suspected acute rejection: A real-world cohort. Clin Transplant 2018; 32:e13411. [DOI: 10.1111/ctr.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Darstein
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Universitätsmedizin Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Friederike Häuser
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine; Universitätsmedizin Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Beate K. Straub
- Institute of Pathology; Universitätsmedizin Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Jürgen J. Wenzel
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene; Regensburg University Medical Centre; Regensburg Germany
| | - Roland Conradi
- Transfusion Center; Universitätsmedizin Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Jens Mittler
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery; Universitätsmedizin Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Hauke Lang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery; Universitätsmedizin Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Peter R. Galle
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Universitätsmedizin Mainz; Mainz Germany
| | - Tim Zimmermann
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Universitätsmedizin Mainz; Mainz Germany
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Abravanel F, Lacipière A, Lhomme S, Dubois M, Minier L, Peron JM, Alric L, Kamar N, Izopet J. Performance of a commercial assay for detecting and quantifying HEV RNA in faeces. J Clin Virol 2018; 109:1-5. [PMID: 30336371 PMCID: PMC7106495 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
No commercial HEV RNA assay is validated for use in faecal samples. Monitoring HEV faecal excretion is recommended for managing chronic HEV infection in solid-organ transplant recipients. We evaluated the Altona assay by testing patients on ribavirin therapy.
Background Detecting hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA in faeces is useful for diagnosing and monitoring HEV infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients requiring ribavirin therapy. Objectives This study evaluated the performance of the Altona RealStar HEV RNA kit for detecting and quantifying HEV in faeces. Study design RNA was extracted from 94 stool samples by two methods: QIAamp Viral RNA Mini kit and MagNA Pure 96 automate. The Altona results were compared to a reference laboratory-developed accredited ISO15189 RT-PCR assay. Results The Altona and reference assays detect HEV RNA in 77/93 (82.8%) and 83/93 (89.2%) of the QIAamp extracted samples, respectively, after exclusion of invalid result; they detected HEV RNA in 67/92 (72.8%) and 66/92 (71.7%) of the MagNA Pure extracted samples, respectively, which emphasizes the importance of the RNA extraction method. The HEV RNA concentrations obtained with Altona RT-PCR and the reference RT-PCR were well correlated whatever the extraction method, and Bland Altman analyses indicated that the Altona values were higher than the reference assay values. The Altona values for QIAamp-extracted and MagNA Pure-extracted HEV RNA were very similar. Conclusions The Altona RealStar assay is suitable for quantifying HEV RNA in the faeces and monitoring HEV RNA shedding during ribavirin therapy. Extraction is critical for detecting faecal HEV with high performance RT-PCR assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Abravanel
- INSERM, U1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, F-31300, France; CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, F-31300, France.
| | - Audrey Lacipière
- CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, F-31300, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- INSERM, U1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, F-31300, France; CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, F-31300, France
| | - Martine Dubois
- INSERM, U1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, F-31300, France; CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, F-31300, France
| | - Luce Minier
- CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, F-31300, France
| | - Jean-Marie Peron
- CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Département de Gastroentérologie, F-31300, France
| | - Laurent Alric
- CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Service de médecine interne, F-31300, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- INSERM, U1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, F-31300, France; CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Département de Néphrologie, Dialyse et Transplantation multi-organe, F-31300 France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- INSERM, U1043, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, Toulouse, F-31300, France; CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, F-31300, France
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Robins AEM, Bowden DJ, Gelson WTH. Chronic genotype 1 hepatitis E infection from immunosuppression for ileo-colonic Crohn's disease. Oxf Med Case Reports 2018; 2018:omy059. [PMID: 30159153 PMCID: PMC6109198 DOI: 10.1093/omcr/omy059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a 33-year-old man with a background of longstanding ileo-colonic Crohn's disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Following a trip to India he developed diarrhoea which was treated as an exacerbation of Crohn's disease. Liver tests became chronically deranged after increasing immunosuppression, which comprised mercaptopurine, adalimumab and prednisolone. Chronic genotype 1 hepatitis E was diagnosed and successfully treated with reduction of immunosuppression followed by a 24-week course of ribavirin. We believe that this is the first reported case of chronic hepatitis E in genotype 1. Deranged liver tests should prompt testing for hepatitis E infection in the context of immunosuppression for inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E M Robins
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - David J Bowden
- Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - William T H Gelson
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals of Cambridge, Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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Glitscher M, Himmelsbach K, Woytinek K, Johne R, Reuter A, Spiric J, Schwaben L, Grünweller A, Hildt E. Inhibition of Hepatitis E Virus Spread by the Natural Compound Silvestrol. Viruses 2018; 10:E301. [PMID: 29865243 PMCID: PMC6024817 DOI: 10.3390/v10060301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Every year, there are about 20 Mio hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections and 60,000 deaths that are associated with HEV worldwide. At the present, there exists no specific therapy for HEV. The natural compound silvestrol has a potent antiviral effect against the (-)-strand RNA-virus Ebola virus, and also against the (+)-strand RNA viruses Corona-, Picorna-, and Zika virus. The inhibitory effect on virus spread is due to an inhibition of the DEAD-box RNA helicase eIF4A, which is required to unwind structured 5'-untranslated regions (UTRs). This leads to an impaired translation of viral RNA. The HEV (+)-strand RNA genome contains a 5'-capped, short 5'-UTR. This study aims to analyze the impact of silvestrol on the HEV life cycle. Persistently infected A549 cells were instrumental. This study identifies silvestrol as a potent inhibitor of the release of HEV infectious viral particles. This goes along with a strongly reduced HEV capsid protein translation, retention of viral RNA inside the cytoplasm, and without major cytotoxic effects. Interestingly, in parallel silvestrol affects the activity of the antiviral major vault protein (MVP) by translocation from the cytoplasm to the perinuclear membrane. These data further characterize the complex antiviral activity of silvestrol and show silvestrol's broad spectrum of function, since HEV is a virus without complex secondary structures in its genome, but it is still affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Glitscher
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany.
| | | | - Kathrin Woytinek
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany.
| | - Reimar Johne
- Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andreas Reuter
- Department of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany.
| | - Jelena Spiric
- Department of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany.
| | - Luisa Schwaben
- Department of Allergology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany.
| | - Arnold Grünweller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany.
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O'Gorman J, Burke Á, O'Flaherty N. Hepatitis E virus - key points for the clinical haematologist. Br J Haematol 2018; 181:579-589. [PMID: 29468650 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15133] [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: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In recent years there has been a paradigm shift in our understanding of the epidemiology and clinical features of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Once classically described as an acute hepatitis associated with waterborne outbreaks in areas of poor sanitation, HEV is now recognised to be endemic in Europe and is probably zoonotic in origin. Evidence for transfusion-transmitted HEV has prompted the introduction of blood donor screening in a number of countries, but the risk to the haematology patient from food sources remains. The aim of this review therefore, is to equip the clinical haematologist with the knowledge required to diagnose HEV infection and to aid decision-making in patient management. The article also provides information on addressing patient concerns about their risk of acquiring hepatitis E and how this risk can be mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne O'Gorman
- Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Áine Burke
- Consultant Haematologist, Sligo University Hospital, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Niamh O'Flaherty
- Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin 8, Ireland
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de Oliveira JMNS, Freitas NRD, Teles SA, Bottino FDO, Lemos AS, de Oliveira JM, de Paula V, Pinto MA, Martins RMB. Prevalence of hepatitis E virus RNA and antibodies in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients in Central Brazil. Int J Infect Dis 2018; 69:41-43. [PMID: 29408465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA and antibodies among kidney transplant recipients (KTR) in Central Brazil. The presence of chronic HEV infection was also investigated. METHODS A cohort study was conducted among 316 KTR treated at a referral center for kidney transplantation in Goiânia, Brazil. All serum samples were tested for the presence of HEV RNA (real-time PCR) and anti-HEV IgG/IgM (ELISA). Anti-HEV-positive samples were confirmed using an immunoblot test. HEV chronicity was investigated in a subgroup of patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT >40IU/l) through HEV RNA detection in additional serum samples collected 3 and 6 months apart. RESULTS A seroprevalence of 2.5% (95% confidence interval 1.2-5.1%) was found for anti-HEV IgG. There was no difference in characteristics between the anti-HEV IgG seropositive and seronegative KTR groups. Anti-HEV IgM was detected in only one patient (0.3%). All KTR were negative for HEV RNA. CONCLUSIONS These results show that HEV infection is infrequent in KTR in Central Brazil, with low seroprevalence rates of past and recent infection, and also an absence of active and chronic HEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nara Rubia de Freitas
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Vanessa de Paula
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Evans TJ, Hilton R, Douthwaite S. Treating chronic hepatitis E: when is enough enough? BMJ Case Rep 2018; 2018:bcr-2017-223592. [PMID: 29391359 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-223592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a 38-year-old white British man who was taking long-term immunosuppressive medication following kidney transplantation. On routine review, he was noted to have an isolated and asymptomatic rise in alanine aminotransferase. After thorough investigation, he was found to have positive IgM and IgG serology to hepatitis E virus-and given the duration of his transaminitis, he was determined to have chronic hepatitis E infection. Treatment options were complicated by the presence of his kidney transplant, by chronic anaemia and by his wish for concomitant fertility treatment. Ribavirin therapy was instituted with a dramatic and immediate drop in serum viral load, although stool viraemia persisted. No clear protocols guide duration of treatment in chronic hepatitis E infection, but protracted faecal virus shedding predicts viral recrudescence, and treatment should continue at least until the stool is clear of virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Hilton
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sam Douthwaite
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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