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Niederhauser C, Gowland P, Widmer N, Amar EL Dusouqui S, Mattle-Greminger M, Gottschalk J, Frey BM. Prevalence of Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Swiss Blood Donors 2018-2020. Viruses 2024; 16:744. [PMID: 38793625 PMCID: PMC11125967 DOI: 10.3390/v16050744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis in several European countries. It is acquired mainly by ingesting contaminated pork, but has also been reported to be transmitted through blood transfusion. Although most HEV infections, including those via blood products, are usually self-limiting, they may become chronic in immunocompromised persons. It is thus essential to identify HEV-infected blood donations to prevent transmission to vulnerable recipients. AIMS Prior to the decision whether to introduce HEV RNA screening for all Swiss blood donations, a 2-year nationwide prevalence study was conducted. METHODS All blood donations were screened in pools of 12-24 samples at five regional blood donation services, and HEV RNA-positive pools were subsequently resolved to the individual donation index donation (X). The viral load, HEV IgG and IgM serology, and HEV genotype were determined. Follow-up investigations were conducted on future control donations (X + 1) and previous archived donations of the donor (X - 1) where available. RESULTS Between October 2018 and September 2020, 541,349 blood donations were screened and 125 confirmed positive donations were identified (prevalence 1:4331 donations). At the time of blood donation, the HEV RNA-positive individuals were symptom-free. The median viral load was 554 IU/mL (range: 2.01-2,500,000 IU/mL). Men (88; 70%) were more frequently infected than women (37; 30%), as compared with the sex distribution in the Swiss donor population (57% male/43% female, p < 0.01). Of the 106 genotyped cases (85%), all belonged to genotype 3. Two HEV sub-genotypes predominated; 3h3 (formerly 3s) and 3c. The remaining sub-genotypes are all known to circulate in Europe. Five 3ra genotypes were identified, this being a variant associated with rabbits. In total, 85 (68%) X donations were negative for HEV IgM and IgG. The remaining 40 (32%) were positive for HEV IgG and/or IgM, and consistent with an active infection. We found no markers of previous HEV in 87 of the 89 available and analyzed archive samples (X - 1). Two donors were HEV IgG-positive in the X - 1 donation suggesting insufficient immunity to prevent HEV reinfection. Time of collection of the 90 (72%) analyzed X + 1 donations varied between 2.9 and 101.9 weeks (median of 35 weeks) after X donation. As expected, none of those tested were positive for HEV RNA. Most donors (89; 99%) were positive for anti-HEV lgG/lgM (i.e., seroconversion). HEV lgM-positivity (23; 26%) indicates an often-long persistence of lgM antibodies post-HEV infection. CONCLUSION The data collected during the first year of the study provided the basis for the decision to establish mandatory HEV RNA universal screening of all Swiss blood donations in minipools, a vital step in providing safer blood for all recipients, especially those who are immunosuppressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Niederhauser
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland; (P.G.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease, University of Berne, 3008 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Gowland
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland; (P.G.)
| | - Nadja Widmer
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland; (P.G.)
| | | | - Maja Mattle-Greminger
- Regional Blood Transfusion SRC, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.M.-G.); (J.G.); (B.M.F.)
| | - Jochen Gottschalk
- Regional Blood Transfusion SRC, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.M.-G.); (J.G.); (B.M.F.)
| | - Beat M. Frey
- Regional Blood Transfusion SRC, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.M.-G.); (J.G.); (B.M.F.)
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Mättö J, Putkuri N, Rimhanen-Finne R, Laurila P, Clancy J, Ihalainen J, Ekblom-Kullberg S. Hepatitis E Virus in Finland: Epidemiology and Risk in Blood Donors and in the General Population. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030484. [PMID: 36986406 PMCID: PMC10054892 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030484] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Autochthonous hepatitis E (HEV) cases have been increasingly recognized and reported in Europe, caused predominantly by the zoonotic HEV genotype 3. The clinical picture is highly variable, from asymptomatic to acute severe or prolonged hepatitis in immunocompromised patients. The main route of transmission to humans in Europe is the ingestion of undercooked pork meat. Transfusion-transmitted HEV infections have also been reported. The aim of the study was to determine the HEV epidemiology and risk in the Finnish blood donor population. A total of 23,137 samples from Finnish blood donors were screened for HEV RNA from individual samples and 1012 samples for HEV antibodies. Additionally, laboratory-confirmed hepatitis E cases in 2016-2022 were extracted from national surveillance data. The HEV RNA prevalence data was used to estimate the risk of transfusion transmission of HEV in the Finnish blood transfusion setting. Four HEV RNA-positive were found, resulting in 1:5784 (0.02%) RNA prevalence. All HEV RNA-positive samples were IgM-negative, and genotyped samples represented genotype HEV 3c. HEV IgG seroprevalence was 7.4%. From the HEV RNA rate found in this study and data on blood component usage in Finland in 2020, the risk estimate for a severe transfusion-transmitted HEV infection is 1:1,377,000 components or one in every 6-7 years. In conclusion, the results indicate that the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV (HEV TTI) in Finland is low. However, continuous follow-up of the HEV epidemiology in relation to the transfusion risk landscape in Finland is necessary, as well as promoting awareness in the medical community of the small risk for HEV TTI, especially for immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaana Mättö
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, 01730 Vantaa, Finland
| | - Niina Putkuri
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, 01730 Vantaa, Finland
| | | | - Päivi Laurila
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jonna Clancy
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service Biobank, 01730 Vantaa, Finland
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Higher Risk of HEV Transmission and Exposure among Blood Donors in Europe and Asia in Comparison to North America: A Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030425. [PMID: 36986347 PMCID: PMC10059948 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: The increasing number of diagnosed hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in Europe has led to the implementation of the testing of blood products in various countries. Many nations have not yet implemented such screening. To assess the need for HEV screening in blood products worldwide, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing HEV RNA positivity and anti-HEV seroprevalence in blood donors. Methods: Studies reporting anti-HEV IgG/IgM or HEV RNA positivity rates among blood donors worldwide were identified via predefined search terms in PubMed and Scopus. Estimates were calculated by pooling study data with multivariable linear mixed-effects metaregression analysis. Results: A total of 157 (14%) of 1144 studies were included in the final analysis. The estimated HEV PCR positivity rate ranged from 0.01 to 0.14% worldwide, with strikingly higher rates in Asia (0.14%) and Europe (0.10%) in comparison to North America (0.01%). In line with this, anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in North America (13%) was lower than that in Europe (19%). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate large regional differences regarding the risk of HEV exposure and blood-borne HEV transmission. Considering the cost–benefit ratio, this supports blood product screening in high endemic areas, such as Europe and Asia, in contrast to low endemic regions, such as the U.S.
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Gorski I, Babić I, Bingulac-Popović J, Topić-Šestan P, Jagnjić S, Jemeršić L, Prpić J, Jukić I. Prevalence of HEV RNA in Croatian blood donors. Transfus Clin Biol 2023; 30:244-248. [PMID: 36708916 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2023.01.005] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HEV infection is asymptomatic for immunocompetent blood donors (BD). Transfused HEV-infected blood products may cause potentially hazardous HEV infection in immunocompromised patients. Evaluation of the need for routine BD HEV RNA screening primarily demands the establishment of HEV infection prevalence in Croatian BD. MATERIALS AND METHODS We tested BD samples in ID-NAT with the Procleix UltrioPlex E screening test for simultaneous detection of HBV DNA, HCV RNA, HIV-1,2 RNA, and HEV RNA (Grifols, Spain). HEV infection was confirmed with HEV RNA quantitative test (Altona Diagnostics, Germany) and HEV IgM and HEV IgG antibody test (DIA.PRO Diagnostic Bioprobes, Italy). We analysed the HEV RNA sequence and performed a phylogenetic analysis. We recorded BD's anamnestic data and dietary habits. BDs gave follow-up samples after two months and did not donate blood for six months. RESULTS Between December 2021 and March 2022, we tested 8,631 donations and found four HEV RNA-positive donations, which equals to one in 2,158 donations (0.046 %, 95 % confidence interval, 0.018 %-0.119 %). Confirmatory HEV RNA testing gave results from negative to 4.73E + 3 IU/ml HEV RNA. Three donations were in the serological window period. We have genotyped HEV RNA of two infected BD as genotype HEV-3c. Blood donors didn't report any health problems and their diet included pork. Testing on follow-up samples presented seroconversion and no HEV RNA could be detected. CONCLUSION The incidence of HEV RNA infection in BD in Croatia corresponds with other European data. The decision on implementation of HEV NAT screening in Croatia needs an expert team evaluation of the possible risk of TT-HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gorski
- Jasika, Dolenica 55, 10250 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - I Babić
- Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine (CITM), Petrova 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - J Bingulac-Popović
- Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine (CITM), Petrova 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - P Topić-Šestan
- Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine (CITM), Petrova 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - S Jagnjić
- Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine (CITM), Petrova 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - L Jemeršić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - J Prpić
- Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - I Jukić
- Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine (CITM), Petrova 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia.
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Harvala H, Reynolds C, Brailsford S, Davison K. Fulminant Transfusion-Associated Hepatitis E Virus Infection Despite Screening, England, 2016-2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:1805-1813. [PMID: 35997399 PMCID: PMC9423923 DOI: 10.3201/eid2809.220487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In England, all blood donations are screened in pools of 24 by nucleic acid test (NAT) for hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA. During 2016-2020, this screening successfully identified and intercepted 1,727 RNA-positive donations. However, review of previous donations from infected platelet donors identified 9 donations in which HEV RNA detection was missed, of which 2 resulted in confirmed transmission: 1 infection resolved with ribavirin treatment, and 1 proceeded to fatal multiorgan failure within a month from infection. Residual risk calculations predict that over the 5-year study period, HEV RNA detection was missed by minipool NAT in 12-23 platelet and 177-354 whole-blood donations, but transmission risk remains undetermined. Although screening has been able to largely eliminate infectious HEV from the blood supply in England, missed detection of low levels of HEV RNA in donated blood can lead to a severe, even fulminant, infection in recipients and could be prevented by more sensitive screening.
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Spada E, Simeoni M, Martina A, Pati I, Villano U, Adriani D, D'Angiò A, Tritarelli E, Taffon S, Bellino S, Boros S, Urciuoli R, Masiello F, Marano G, Bruni R, Pezzotti P, Ciccaglione AR, Pupella S, De Angelis V, Pisani G. Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis E virus infection in blood donors: a nationwide survey in Italy, 2017 to 2019. EURO SURVEILLANCE : BULLETIN EUROPEEN SUR LES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES = EUROPEAN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BULLETIN 2022; 27. [PMID: 35656832 PMCID: PMC9164674 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.22.2100516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background In high-income countries, hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is mainly a zoonosis. However, it is also transfusion-transmissible and some countries, but not Italy, have introduced HEV screening for blood donations. Aim We assessed HEV infection prevalence and risk factors in a nationwide sample of Italian blood donors. Methods We selected 107 blood establishments (BE) distributed in the 20 Italian regions by a stratified two-stage design and invited them to participate in the study. Donors were tested for anti-HEV IgG and IgM and HEV RNA. Sociodemographic data and risk factors were collected through a questionnaire. Results Overall, 60 BE from 60 provinces in 19 Italian regions joined the study. We assessed HEV markers in 7,172 blood donors, of whom 6,235 completed the questionnaire. Overall crude and adjusted anti-HEV IgG prevalences were 8.3% and 5.5%, respectively. Overall anti-HEV IgM prevalence was 0.5%, while no blood donor was HEV RNA-positive. Anti-HEV IgG prevalence varied widely among regions (range: 1.3%–27.20%) and hyperendemic prevalences (> 40%) were detected in some provinces in two regions. Older age (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.36–2.41), foreign nationality (AOR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.06–7.24), eating raw pork liver sausages (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.55–3.20) and raw homemade sausages (AOR = 3.63; 95% CI: 2.50–5.24) were independent infection predictors. Conclusion Italian blood donors showed a low to moderate HEV seroprevalence. High levels in some regions and/or provinces were mainly attributable to eating habits. Prevention should include avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked meat and safe production of commercial pork products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enea Spada
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Simeoni
- National Centre for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Martina
- National Centre for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pati
- Italian National Blood Centre, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Umbertina Villano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Adriani
- National Centre for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Agnese D'Angiò
- National Centre for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Tritarelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Taffon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Bellino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Boros
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Urciuoli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Masiello
- Italian National Blood Centre, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marano
- Italian National Blood Centre, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bruni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pezzotti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Simonetta Pupella
- Italian National Blood Centre, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giulio Pisani
- National Centre for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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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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Al Dossary RA, Alnafie AN, Aljaroodi SA, Rahman JU, Hunasemarada BC, Alkharsah KR. Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Blood Donors in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:2381-2390. [PMID: 34475765 PMCID: PMC8407670 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s328029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute hepatitis in humans and constitutes a major problem for immunocompromised patients, patients with hematological diseases, and pregnant women. It is transmitted mainly through fecal oral route; however, transmission through blood and blood products is reported globally and becoming a health concern. We sought to determine the prevalence of HEV among blood donors in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia using molecular as well as serological assays to assess the safety of blood transfusion and the need for HEV screening among blood donors. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 806 whole blood samples were collected from blood donors between May and November 2020 and tested for anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies by ELISA and for HEV RNA by RT-PCR. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence of HEV IgG antibodies was 3.2% with no statistically significant difference between the non-Saudis (3.28%) and Saudis (3.17%) (p value 0.929) or between males (3.14%) and females (4.88%) (p value 0.527). None of the IgG positive individuals had IgM antibodies. HEV RNA was not detected in any of the blood donors. CONCLUSION HEV seroprevalence is low among blood donors in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and may constitute minimal risk for transfusion associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem A Al Dossary
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awatif N Alnafie
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Fahad Hospital of the University, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salma Ali Aljaroodi
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jawad Ur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basavaraj C Hunasemarada
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled R Alkharsah
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection among Blood Donors in Bulgaria. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030492. [PMID: 33809748 PMCID: PMC8002317 DOI: 10.3390/v13030492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is widespread among domestic pigs, industrial swine, and wild boars in Bulgaria. The aim of the current research was to present the HEV seroprevalence among blood donors in Bulgaria. In the present study, 555 blood donors (479 males and 76 females) were enrolled from five districts in the country (Shumen, Pleven, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, and Sofia districts). All blood samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG using the recomWell HEV IgG ELISA test (Mikrogen GmbH, Neuried, Germany). Each participating donor completed a short, structured, and specific questionnaire to document data on the current study. Anti-HEV IgG positive results were detected in 144 (25.9%) blood donors, including 129 (26.9%) males and 15 (19.7%) females. The established HEV seropositivity was 28.8% (23/80) in Shumen district, 23.2% (22/95) in Pleven district, 27.1% (38/140) in Stara Zagora district, 27.5% (44/160) in Plovdiv district, and 21.3% (17/80) in Sofia district. A high HEV seroprevalence was found for persons who declared that they were general hunters (48.7%; 19/39; p = 0.001) and hunters of wild boars (51.6%; 16/31; p = 0.001). We present the first seroprevalence rates of HEV infection in blood donors from Bulgaria. The results of our research showed high HEV seropositivity among blood donors.
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Bloch EM, Goel R, Wendel S, Burnouf T, Al-Riyami AZ, Ang AL, DeAngelis V, Dumont LJ, Land K, Lee CK, Oreh A, Patidar G, Spitalnik SL, Vermeulen M, Hindawi S, Van den Berg K, Tiberghien P, Vrielink H, Young P, Devine D, So-Osman C. Guidance for the procurement of COVID-19 convalescent plasma: differences between high- and low-middle-income countries. Vox Sang 2020; 116:18-35. [PMID: 32533868 PMCID: PMC7323328 DOI: 10.1111/vox.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) has been used, predominantly in high‐income countries (HICs) to treat COVID‐19; available data suggest the safety and efficacy of use. We sought to develop guidance for procurement and use of CCP, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) for which data are lacking. Materials and methods A multidisciplinary, geographically representative group of individuals with expertise spanning transfusion medicine, infectious diseases and haematology was tasked with the development of a guidance document for CCP, drawing on expert opinion, survey of group members and review of available evidence. Three subgroups (i.e. donor, product and patient) were established based on self‐identified expertise and interest. Here, the donor and product‐related challenges are summarized and contrasted between HICs and LMICs with a view to guide related practices. Results The challenges to advance CCP therapy are different between HICs and LMICs. Early challenges in HICs related to recruitment and qualification of sufficient donors to meet the growing demand. Antibody testing also posed a specific obstacle given lack of standardization, variable performance of the assays in use and uncertain interpretation of results. In LMICs, an extant transfusion deficit, suboptimal models of donor recruitment (e.g. reliance on replacement and paid donors), limited laboratory capacity for pre‐donation qualification and operational considerations could impede wide adoption. Conclusion There has been wide‐scale adoption of CCP in many HICs, which could increase if clinical trials show efficacy of use. By contrast, LMICs, having received little attention, require locally applicable strategies for adoption of CCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan M Bloch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ruchika Goel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine and Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Thierry Burnouf
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Materials and Tissue Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,International PhD Program in Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Arwa Z Al-Riyami
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Ai Leen Ang
- Blood Services Group, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Larry J Dumont
- Vitalant Research Institute, Denver, CO, USA.,University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA.,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Kevin Land
- Vice President Clinical Services, Vitalant, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.,Department of Pathology, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Cheuk-Kwong Lee
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong, China, China.,King's Park Rise, Kowloon, China
| | - Adaeze Oreh
- National Blood Transfusion Service, Department of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Gopal Patidar
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Steven L Spitalnik
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marion Vermeulen
- The South African National Blood Service, Johannesbur, South Africa
| | - Salwa Hindawi
- Haematology & Transfusion Medicine, King Abdalaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Hans Vrielink
- Department Unit Transfusion Medicine, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Amsterdam, NL, Netherlands
| | | | - Dana Devine
- Canadian Blood Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cynthia So-Osman
- Department Unit Transfusion Medicine, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Amsterdam, NL, Netherlands.,Department of Haematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, NL, Netherlands
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Harvala H, Hewitt PE, Reynolds C, Pearson C, Haywood B, Tettmar KI, Ushiro-Lumb I, Brailsford SR, Tedder R, Ijaz S. Hepatitis E virus in blood donors in England, 2016 to 2017: from selective to universal screening. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30862338 PMCID: PMC6415500 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.10.1800386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the most common cause of acute hepatitis in many European countries, is transmitted through consumption of processed pork but also via blood transfusion and transplantation. HEV infection can become persistent in immunocompromised individuals. Aim We aimed to determine the incidence and epidemiology of HEV infection in English blood donors since the introduction of donation screening in 2016. Methods Between March 2016 and December 2017, 1,838,747 blood donations were screened for HEV RNA. Donations containing HEV RNA were further tested for serological markers, RNA quantification and viral phylogeny. Demographics, travel and diet history were analysed for all infected donors. Results We identified 480 HEV RNA-positive blood donations during the 22-month period, most (319/480; 66%) donors were seronegative. Viral loads ranged from 1 to 3,230,000 IU/ml. All sequences belonged to genotype 3, except one which likely represents a new genotype. Most viraemic donors were over 45 years of age (279/480; 58%), donors aged between 17 and 24 years had a seven-times higher incidence of HEV infection than other donors between March and June 2016 (1:544 donations vs 1:3,830). HEV-infected blood donors were evenly distributed throughout England. Screening prevented 480 HEV RNA-positive blood donations from reaching clinical supply. Conclusion HEV screening of blood donations is a vital step in order to provide safer blood for all recipients, but especially for the immunosuppressed. The unusually high rates of HEV infection in young blood donors may provide some insight into specific risks associated with HEV infection in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Harvala
- University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia E Hewitt
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Reynolds
- Joint NHSBT/PHE Epidemiology Unit, Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV Division, National Infections Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Callum Pearson
- Joint NHSBT/PHE Epidemiology Unit, Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV Division, National Infections Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Becky Haywood
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate I Tettmar
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ines Ushiro-Lumb
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan R Brailsford
- Joint NHSBT/PHE Epidemiology Unit, Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV Division, National Infections Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Tedder
- Current affiliation: Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Abstract
While the majority of worldwide hepatitis E viral (HEV) infections that occur in people are from contaminated water or food sources, there has also been a steadily rising number of reported cases of transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) in blood donation recipients. For most, HEV infection is acute, self-limiting and asymptomatic. However, patients that are immunocompromised, especially transplant patients, are at much higher risk for developing chronic infections, which can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure, along with overall increased mortality. Because of the rising trend of HEV serological prevalence among the global population, and the fact that TT-HEV infection can cause serious clinical consequences among those patients most at need for blood donation, the need for screening for TT-HEV has been gaining in prominence as an important public health concern for both developing and developed countries. In the review, we summarise evidence for and notable cases of TT-HEV infections, the various aspects of HEV screening protocols and recent trends in the implementation of TT-HEV broad-based blood screening programmes.
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13
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Goel A, Vijay HJ, Katiyar H, Aggarwal R. Prevalence of hepatitis E viraemia among blood donors: a systematic review. Vox Sang 2020; 115:120-132. [PMID: 32030767 DOI: 10.1111/vox.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is usually transmitted by faecal-oral route. Recent reports have documented HEV viraemia in donated blood units and HEV transmission through blood transfusion. This systematic review summarizes the available data on prevalence of HEV viraemia in blood donors. METHODS Electronic databases were searched on 17 December 2018 to identify full-text English papers reporting original data on prevalence of HEV RNA in donated blood units. Two authors independently extracted the relevant data, which were pooled using simple aggregation as well as a random-effects meta-analysis; heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 method. RESULTS In all, 59 data sets from 28 countries were identified. The available data showed marked heterogeneity. Of a total of 2 127 832 units studied, 561 (263·6 [95% confidence intervals = 242·7-286·4] per million units) tested positive for HEV RNA. On random-effects meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence was 60·9 [6·7-155·4] per million units. In the viraemic units, HEV RNA titre varied by nearly one million-fold, and most had genotype 3 HEV. The prevalence was higher in blood units with anti-HEV antibodies or elevated alanine aminotransferase. Only nearly one-fourth of viraemic units had anti-HEV antibodies. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of HEV viraemia among healthy blood donors is low, though the available data had limited geographical representation and marked heterogeneity. There is a need for further data on HEV viraemia in blood donors from areas with non-3 HEV genotype preponderance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Goel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Harshita Katiyar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Rakesh Aggarwal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
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14
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Tsoi WC, Zhu X, To APC, Holmberg J. Hepatitis E virus infection in Hong Kong blood donors. Vox Sang 2019; 115:11-17. [PMID: 31709559 DOI: 10.1111/vox.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In Hong Kong, the dominant circulating hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype is type 4, which can cause more severe clinical consequences than type 3. The aim of this study was to determine the HEV prevalence in Hong Kong blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unlinked donation samples (n = 10 000) collected in March to May 2015 were tested for HEV RNA using the Procleix HEV assay in an individual donation format (IDT). A subset of 2000 samples were tested for IgG and IgM anti-HEV using the Wantai enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nucleic acid testing (NAT) initial reactive results were retested once, and repeatedly reactive donations were subjected to alternative molecular procedures as confirmation tests. RESULTS One in 5000 Hong Kong blood donors was positive for HEV RNA (0·02%). The two RNA positive samples were also IgG and IgM anti-HEV positive. One of the two RNA positive donors could be sequenced revealing genotype type 4. Anti-HEV seroprevalence was estimated as 15·5% among all donors. IgG anti-HEV positive rate for age group 16-20 was 3·1%, and it increased with age to 43·1% for age group 51-60. Sero-positivity was higher in males (male donors 18·1% vs. female donors 13·2%), but it was mostly due to the difference in a specific age group (41-50). CONCLUSION Hepatitis E virus RNA positive rate of 0·02% was within the reported range of HEV RNA frequency in developed countries. One donor was confirmed to be genotype 4, which is the dominant genotype in circulation in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai-Chiu Tsoi
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhu
- Grifols Diagnostic Solutions Inc, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Pui-Chi To
- Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong, China
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15
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Hepatitis E virus infections in Europe. J Clin Virol 2019; 120:20-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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16
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Vercouter AS, Van Houtte F, Verhoye L, González Fraile I, Blanco L, Compernolle V, Meuleman P. Hepatitis E virus prevalence in Flemish blood donors. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1218-1223. [PMID: 31194897 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) through transfusion of blood components has already been reported in several European countries. Here, we assessed the HEV prevalence in Flemish blood donors. This study is of importance in order to assess the risk of HEV transmission through blood transfusion. We analysed 38 137 blood donation samples that were collected by the Red Cross Flanders during the period May-June 2015. All samples were screened for the presence of HEV RNA and a selection for HEV-specific IgM/IgG. After pooling per 6, 11 pools reacted positive during RNA screening. Reactive pools were deconstructed, and individual samples were retested. After deconstruction, seven samples were confirmed as HEV RNA positive. Serological screening of the confirmed RNA-positive samples showed that six out of these seven samples were HEV IgM positive, of which three donors were also IgG positive. Serological screening was also performed on the samples that constituted the four initially HEV RNA reactive pools where RNA positivity was not confirmed on the individual level. In three pools, we found indirect evidence of recent HEV exposure. Within 356 randomly selected samples, 31 donations were HEV IgG positive. Here we show that at least 1:5448 of blood donations in Flanders may originate from donors that are actively infected with HEV. Upon transfusion, these donations may pose a major threat towards patients at risk. Finally, a serological analysis showed that the anti-HEV IgG prevalence in Flemish blood donors is 8.71%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Vercouter
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Freya Van Houtte
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Verhoye
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Lydia Blanco
- Centro de Hemoterapia y Hemodonación, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Veerle Compernolle
- Blood Service of the Belgian Red Cross-Flanders, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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17
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Alfonsi V, Romanò L, Ciccaglione AR, La Rosa G, Bruni R, Zanetti A, Della Libera S, Iaconelli M, Bagnarelli P, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR, Riccardo F, Tosti ME. Hepatitis E in Italy: 5 years of national epidemiological, virological and environmental surveillance, 2012 to 2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 30326991 PMCID: PMC6194909 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.41.1700517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of hepatitis E cases are being reported in several European countries, including Italy, but the burden of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is largely unknown in the latter. To gain a better understanding of HEV epidemiology at national level in Italy, we piloted a strengthened and integrated human (epidemiological and virological) and environmental HEV surveillance system between 2012 and 2016. Over the 5-year period, 169 confirmed hepatitis E cases were identified, with a national annual incidence of 0.72 cases per 1,000,000. Of 65 HEV-RNA positive samples of sufficient quality for molecular analysis, 66% were genotype HEV3, 32% HEV1 and 1% HEV4. The most frequent risk factor reported by all HEV3 infected cases, was the consumption of undercooked pork and sausage. For the environmental surveillance, 679 urban sewage samples were collected from 53 wastewater treatment plants and HEV-RNA was detected in 38/679 of the samples. Among these, 25 (66%) were genotype HEV3 and the remaining were HEV1. We demonstrate that autochthonous transmission and environmental circulation of genotype HEV3 is adding to travel-related HEV transmission in Italy. We recommend the ‘One Health’ approach to integrated surveillance, and to include HEV-related messages within health information campaigns focussing on food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Alfonsi
- Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Romanò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health - Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Ciccaglione
- Viral Hepatitis Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bruni
- Viral Hepatitis Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health - Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bagnarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Virology - Hospital of Ancona, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology - Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive "L. Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Riccardo
- Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Tosti
- National Center for Global Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
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18
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Thom K, Gilhooly P, McGowan K, Malloy K, Jarvis LM, Crossan C, Scobie L, Blatchford O, Smith-Palmer A, Donnelly MC, Davidson JS, Johannessen I, Simpson KJ, Dalton HR, Petrik J. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Scotland: evidence of recent increase in viral circulation in humans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 29589577 PMCID: PMC6205259 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.12.17-00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies showed low levels of circulating hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Scotland. We aimed to reassess current Scottish HEV epidemiology. Methods: Blood donor samples from five Scottish blood centres, the minipools for routine HEV screening and liver transplant recipients were tested for HEV antibodies and RNA to determine seroprevalence and viraemia. Blood donor data were compared with results from previous studies covering 2004-08. Notified laboratory-confirmed hepatitis E cases (2009-16) were extracted from national surveillance data. Viraemic samples from blood donors (2016) and chronic hepatitis E transplant patients (2014-16) were sequenced. Results: Anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence varied geographically and was highest in Edinburgh where it increased from 4.5% in 2004-08) to 9.3% in 2014-15 (p = 0.001). It was most marked in donors < 35 years. HEV RNA was found in 1:2,481 donors, compared with 1:14,520 in 2011. Notified laboratory-confirmed cases increased by a factor of 15 between 2011 and 2016, from 13 to 206. In 2011-13, 1 of 329 transplant recipients tested positive for acute HEV, compared with six cases of chronic infection during 2014-16. Of 10 sequenced viraemic donors eight and all six patients were infected with genotype 3 clade 1 virus, common in European pigs. Conclusions: The seroprevalence, number of viraemic donors and numbers of notified laboratory-confirmed cases of HEV in Scotland have all recently increased. The causes of this change are unknown, but need further investigation. Clinicians in Scotland, particularly those caring for immunocompromised patients, should have a low threshold for testing for HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Thom
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Gilhooly
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Karen McGowan
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kristen Malloy
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa M Jarvis
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Crossan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Scobie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Blatchford
- Department of Public Health, Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Smith-Palmer
- Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mhairi C Donnelly
- Department of Hepatology, Division of Health Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Janice S Davidson
- Scottish Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kenneth J Simpson
- Department of Hepatology, Division of Health Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harry R Dalton
- Royal Cornwall Hospital and European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, United Kingdom
| | - Juraj Petrik
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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19
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Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Blood Donors and Risk to Patients in the United States and Canada. Transfus Med Rev 2019; 33:139-145. [PMID: 31324552 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute hepatitis worldwide including large water-borne outbreaks, zoonotic infections and transfusion transmissions. Several countries have initiated or are considering blood donor screening in response to high HEV-RNA donation prevalence leading to transfusion-transmission risk. Because HEV transmission is more common through food sources, the efficacy of blood donor screening alone may be limited. HEV-nucleic acids in 101 489 blood donations in the United States and Canada were studied. A risk-based decision-making framework was used to evaluate the quantitative risks and cost-benefit of HEV-blood donation screening in Canada comparing three scenarios: no screening, screening blood for all transfused patients or screening blood for only those at greatest risk. HEV-RNA prevalence in the United States was one per 16 908 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1:5786-1:81987), whereas Canadian HEV-RNA prevalence was one per 4615 (95% CI, 1:2579-1:9244). Although 4-fold greater, Canadian HEV-RNA prevalence was not significantly higher than in the United States. Viral loads ranged from 20 to 3080 international units per mL; all successfully typed infections were genotype 3. No HEV-RNA false-positive donations were identified for 100 percent specificity. Without donation screening, heart and lung transplant recipients had the greatest HEV-infection risk (1:366962) versus kidney transplant recipients with the lowest (1:2.8 million) at costs of $225 546 to $561 810 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained for partial or universal screening, respectively. Higher cost per QALY would be expected in the United States. Thus, HEV prevalence in North America is lower than in countries performing blood donation screening, and if implemented, is projected to be costly under any scenario.
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20
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Wilhelm B, Waddell L, Greig J, Young I. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in the general population across non-endemic countries. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216826. [PMID: 31173594 PMCID: PMC6555507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has commonly been associated with large waterborne outbreaks of human jaundice in endemic areas but it has been increasingly recognised as a cause of sporadic human cases of jaundice in non-endemic areas, in individuals with no history of travel. Zoonotic exposure is widely hypothesized to be an important potential transmission route in these sporadic human cases. Serosurveys conducted to determine the frequency of HEV human exposure report wide ranges in prevalence across studies and locations. Our study objective was to compute meta-analysis summary estimates of human seroprevalence of HEV IgG within countries considered HEV non-endemic, where possible, and to determine whether this varied significantly across these countries, as well as investigating the role of potential HEV seroprevalence predictors such as population age structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS A broad literature search was conducted in six electronic databases. Citations were appraised, and relevant data extracted using forms designed and pre-tested a priori. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted in R, with HEV IgG seroprevalence in blood donors or the general population being the outcome of interest, and country, assay, population age and sex structure, and chronological time investigated as predictors of the outcome. RESULTS From 4163 unique citations initially captured, data were extracted from 135 studies investigating HEV serology in blood donors or the general population, of 31 countries among those categorised as 'very high human development' by the United Nations. Country of sampling and assay employed were consistently significant predictors of HEV IgG seroprevalence with chronological time being a non-significant predictor in the dataset of captured studies. CONCLUSIONS While country of sampling and assay employed were significant predictors of HEV seroprevalence, comparison of HEV seroprevalence across non-endemic countries is hampered by the lack of a gold standard assay and uncertainty regarding residual bias across studies, as well as regional differences within some countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Waddell
- National Microbiology Laboratory at Guelph, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judy Greig
- National Microbiology Laboratory at Guelph, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian Young
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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21
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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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22
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Rivero-Juarez A, Jarilla-Fernandez M, Frias M, Madrigal-Sanchez E, López-López P, Andújar-Troncoso G, Machuca I, Camacho A, Muñoz-Valbuena P, Rivero A. Hepatitis E virus in Spanish donors and the necessity for screening. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:603-608. [PMID: 30661278 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents a major health problem worldwide. As the course of HEV cases is often subclinical, asymptomatic infections could represent an important source of viral spread and infection via routes such as blood donations. Before universal screening for HEV in blood donations can be implemented, studies evaluating the incidence of infection are needed to establish the potential risk of viral transmission. This is a prospective longitudinal study that included blood donors recruited at the Hospital de Ciudad Real Transfusion Service between October 2017 and January 2018. Pools of eight donations were tested for HEV viremia by PCR. Positive pools were individually evaluated following the same procedure. Positive samples were tested for anti-HEV IgG and IgM. Recipients of blood transfusions obtained from HEV-positive donors were retrospectively evaluated. The prevalence of HEV was calculated. A total of 11 313 healthy donors were analysed during the study period. Four blood donations from four different donors were HEV RNA-reactive. The prevalence of HEV infection was 0.035% (95% CI: 0.01%-0.09%), which meant a ratio of one positive donation per 2828 donations. All donors were negative for anti-HEV IgM at the time of the donation. Five patients received transfusions from HEV-positive blood donations, none of them showed an increase in alanine aminotransferase levels after transfusion. In conclusion, our study found a high prevalence of HEV infection in blood donors from south-central Spain. In view of the prevalence, Spanish blood banks should carefully consider including screening for HEV.
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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, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Mario Frias
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Pedro López-López
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Isabel Machuca
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Angela Camacho
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Rivero
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía de Córdoba, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
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Boland F, Martinez A, Pomeroy L, O'Flaherty N. Blood Donor Screening for Hepatitis E Virus in the European Union. Transfus Med Hemother 2019; 46:95-103. [PMID: 31191195 PMCID: PMC6514502 DOI: 10.1159/000499121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review article summarises hepatitis E virus (HEV) blood donation screening strategies in effect in the European Union (EU). Since 2012, eight EU countries have implemented HEV screening. Local rates of seroprevalence, RNA incidence, and molecular epidemiology are variable and not usually directly comparable. We report a range of HEV-RNA reactivity rates from 1 in 744 donations (France) to 1 in 8,636 donations (Wales) with an overall EU rate of 1 in 3,109 donations (3.2 million donations screened). HEV genotypes 3c, 3e, and 3f are the most frequently reported subtypes. In these 8 countries, both universal (n = 5) and selective (n = 3) screening policies have been introduced utilising either individual donation (ID; n = 1) or mini-pool (MP; n = 7; MP-6, -16, -24, and -96) testing. We also describe the Irish experience of HEV screening utilising an ID-NAT-based donor screening algorithm which intercepts donations even from those with low-level viraemia; 21 of 56 donors (37.5%) had a viral load (VL) < 100 IU/mL. We performed a MP-24 experiment which may prove useful to colleagues in relation to donor screening and associated blood component transmissibility. Irish results indicate that 59% of donors with a HEV-VL < 450 IU/mL may have screened negative in a MP-24.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Boland
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), NAT Laboratory, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Louise Pomeroy
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), NAT Laboratory, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh O'Flaherty
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS), NAT Laboratory, Dublin, Ireland
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
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24
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Meta-Analysis of Human IgG anti-HEV Seroprevalence in Industrialized Countries and a Review of Literature. Viruses 2019; 11:v11010084. [PMID: 30669517 PMCID: PMC6357031 DOI: 10.3390/v11010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Hepatitis E is increasingly described as a major cause of liver disease in industrialized countries, the epidemiology is far from being fully elucidated. We provide here a comprehensive review of documented clusters of cases, and of serological studies conducted in populations with distinct types of exposure. Seroprevalence rates range from <5% to >50% depending on the countries and the groups of population. Such discrepancies can be attributed to the type of serological assay used, but this solves only a part of the problem. We performed a meta-analysis of studies performed with the broadly used Wantai HEV-IgG ELISA and found striking differences that remain difficult to understand with the current knowledge of transmission pathways.
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25
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Vollmer T, Diekmann J, Knabbe C, Dreier J. Hepatitis E virus blood donor NAT screening: as much as possible or as much as needed? Transfusion 2018; 59:612-622. [PMID: 30548866 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cost-benefit question of general screening of blood products for the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is currently being discussed. One central question is the need for individual nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) screening (ID-NAT) versus minipool NAT screening (MP-NAT) approaches to identify all relevant viremias in blood donors. Here, the findings of ID-NAT versus MP-NAT in pools of 96 samples were compared. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS From November 2017 to January 2018, a total of 10,141 allogenic blood donations from 7650 individual German blood donors were screened for the presence of HEV RNA using MP-NAT (96 samples) (RealStar HEV RT-PCR Kit) compared to ID-NAT (cobas HEV assay) on the fully automated cobas 6800 platform. RESULTS Parallel screening of MP (n = 122, 96 samples/MP) using both methods detected seven reactive pools. After pool resolution, 8 HEV RNA-positive donations were identified by the in-house detection method, whereas 17 HEV RNA-positive donations were identified by ID-NAT with the cobas HEV assay. This resulted in an incidence of 1:1268 donations (0.079%) for MP-NAT screening and 1:597 donations (0.168%) for ID-NAT screening. CONCLUSIONS The detection frequency of HEV RNA was approximately 50% higher if ID-NAT was used compared to MP-NAT. However, viral loads of ID-NAT-only samples were below 25 IU/mL and will often not result in transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) infection, taking into account the currently known infectious dose of 5.0E + 04 IU inevitably resulting in TT-HEV infection. The clinical relevance and need for identification of these low-level HEV-positive donors still require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vollmer
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - J Diekmann
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - C Knabbe
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - J Dreier
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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26
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Intharasongkroh D, Thongmee T, Sa-Nguanmoo P, Klinfueng S, Duang-In A, Wasitthankasem R, Theamboonlers A, Charoonruangrit U, Oota S, Payungporn S, Vongpunsawad S, Chirathaworn C, Poovorawan Y. Hepatitis E virus infection in Thai blood donors. Transfusion 2018; 59:1035-1043. [PMID: 30443992 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in several industrialized and developing countries is associated with the consumption of pork and other meat products, an exposure risk among the majority of blood donors. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HEV in plasma from healthy blood donors in Thailand. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We screened blood samples collected between October and December 2015, from 30,115 individual blood donors in 5020 pools of six, for HEV RNA using in-house real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Thrice-reactive samples were subjected to a commercial real-time RT-PCR (cobas HEV test) and evaluated for anti-HEV immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies. Genotyping using nested RT-PCR, nucleotide sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. RESULTS Twenty-six donors were positive for HEV RNA by the in-house assay, nine of whom were also positive by cobas test. None of the latter were reactive for anti-HEV immunoglobulin M or immunoglobulin G antibodies. Six samples were successfully genotyped and found to be HEV genotype 3. Thus, the frequency of HEV infection among healthy Thai blood donors is 1 in 1158. CONCLUSION The presence of HEV RNA in the Thai blood supply was comparable to the rates reported in western European countries, but higher than in North America and Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duangnapa Intharasongkroh
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanunrat Thongmee
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattaratida Sa-Nguanmoo
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirapa Klinfueng
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ausanee Duang-In
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rujipat Wasitthankasem
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Apiradee Theamboonlers
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Sunchai Payungporn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sompong Vongpunsawad
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chintana Chirathaworn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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27
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Dalton HR, Izopet J. Transmission and Epidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 and 4 Infections. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018. [PMID: 29530946 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a032144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Following the introduction of robust serological and molecular tools, our understanding of the epidemiology of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) has improved considerably in recent years. Current thinking suggests that consumption of pork meat products is the key route of infection in humans, but it is certainly not the only one. Other routes of infection include environmental spread, contaminated water, and via the human blood supply. The epidemiology of HEV genotype (gt)3 and gt4 is complex, as there are several sources and routes of infection, and it is likely that these vary between and within countries and over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry R Dalton
- Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom.,European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter, Truro TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Department of Virology, Hepatitis E Virus National Reference Centre, Toulouse University Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France.,Toulouse-Purpan Centre for Pathophysiology, INSERM UMR1043/CNRS UMR 5282, CPTP, Toulouse University Paul Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
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28
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Hardtke S, Rocco R, Ogata J, Braga S, Barbosa M, Wranke A, Doi E, da Cunha D, Maluf E, Wedemeyer H, Muzzillo D. Risk factors and seroprevalence of hepatitis E evaluated in frozen-serum samples (2002-2003) of pregnant women compared with female blood donors in a Southern region of Brazil. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1856-1862. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Hardtke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig; Hannover Germany
| | - R. Rocco
- Department of Internal Medicine; Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Paraná; Curitiba Brazil
| | - J. Ogata
- Department of Internal Medicine; Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Paraná; Curitiba Brazil
| | - S. Braga
- Department of Internal Medicine; Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Paraná; Curitiba Brazil
| | - M. Barbosa
- Department of Internal Medicine; Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Paraná; Curitiba Brazil
| | - A. Wranke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
| | - E. Doi
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig; Hannover Germany
| | - D. da Cunha
- Serology Lab, Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Paraná; Curitiba Brazil
| | - E. Maluf
- Department of Internal Medicine; Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Paraná; Curitiba Brazil
| | - H. Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology; Hannover Medical School; Hannover Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig; Hannover Germany
| | - D. Muzzillo
- Department of Internal Medicine; Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Paraná; Curitiba Brazil
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29
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Hepatitis E in High-Income Countries: What Do We Know? And What Are the Knowledge Gaps? Viruses 2018; 10:v10060285. [PMID: 29799485 PMCID: PMC6024799 DOI: 10.3390/v10060285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a positive-strand RNA virus transmitted by the fecal–oral route. HEV genotypes 1 and 2 infect only humans and cause mainly waterborne outbreaks. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are widely represented in the animal kingdom, and are mainly transmitted as a zoonosis. For the past 20 years, HEV infection has been considered an imported disease in developed countries, but now there is evidence that HEV is an underrecognized pathogen in high-income countries, and that the incidence of confirmed cases has been steadily increasing over the last decade. In this review, we describe current knowledge about the molecular biology of HEV, its clinical features, its main routes of transmission, and possible therapeutic strategies in developed countries.
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30
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A nationwide retrospective study on prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in Italian blood donors. BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2018; 16:413-421. [PMID: 29757135 DOI: 10.2450/2018.0033-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Europe, hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is mainly a food-borne zoonosis, but it can also be transmitted by blood transfusion. It is usually a mild and self-limited infection. However, immunocompromised persons, who are also those more likely to undergo blood transfusions, may develop chronic hepatitis and often cirrhosis. Since this is a potential threat to blood safety, we aimed to investigate HEV prevalence in Italian blood donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used plasma donations collected during 2015-2016 by blood services (BS) scattered throughout the Italian regions and intended for the production of plasma-derived medicines. Plasma samples were tested for IgG and IgM anti-HEV and for HEV RNA using validated assays. Data concerning donor's age and sex, and the location of the BS were collected. RESULTS A total of 10,011 plasma samples were tested. Overall IgG and IgM prevalence rates were 8.7 and 0.4%, respectively. No sample was HEV RNA-positive. IgG prevalence was significantly higher in males and in donors aged 44 years and over. IgG prevalence differed greatly according to region. Overall regional rates over 15% were found in Abruzzo and in Sardinia, and rates of 10-15% were found in Lazio, Umbria and the Marche. Considering IgG prevalence according to the province where the BS was located, rates over 30% were found in Sardinia and Abruzzo. Age, sex and donor's region of residence were independently associated with IgG positivity. BS location produced significant heterogeneity on prevalence rates within the regions. DISCUSSION The detected IgG rate of 8.7% in this study represents one of the lowest seroprevalence rates reported among blood donors in Europe. Particularly high prevalence rates in some regions and provinces may be explained by local eating habits and/or intensive environmental HEV contamination. Before considering the introduction of HEV RNA screening for blood donations in Italy, further important issues should be addressed and prospective incidence and reliable cost-benefit studies are needed.
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31
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Al-Sadeq DW, Majdalawieh AF, Mesleh AG, Abdalla OM, Nasrallah GK. Laboratory challenges in the diagnosis of hepatitis E virus. J Med Microbiol 2018; 67:466-480. [PMID: 29485390 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus that is an important cause of both acute and chronic hepatitis worldwide. To date, there are eight HEV genotypes that can infect mammals. HEV-1 and HEV-2 infect exclusively humans, while HEV-3 and HEV-4 infect humans and various animals, mainly pigs and deer. Additionally, two new genotypes (HEV-5 and HEV-6) infect mainly wild boar. Recently, newly discovered genotypes HEV-7 and HEV-8 were found to infect camels and possibly humans. Nevertheless, the epidemiological distribution of HEV-7 is not well established. HEV-8 is another newly discovered genotype that was identified in 2016 in Chinese Bactrian camels. Although faecal-oral transmission is the most common route of HEV transmission, HEV can be vertically transmitted from infected mothers to their fetuses. HEV may also spread by zoonotic transmission from infected animals to humans and through person-to-person contact. Nowadays, since the number of reported cases linked to blood donations is increasing annually, HEV is recognized as a transfusion-transmitted virus. Laboratory diagnostic techniques vary in their specificity and sensitivity for HEV detection. Direct techniques allow for detection of the viral proteins, antigens and viral nucleic acid, while HEV-specific IgG and IgM antibodies can help establish a diagnosis in acute and chronic infections. In this review, we will discuss recent technologies in the laboratory diagnosis of HEV, including serological and molecular methods to assess the specificity and sensitivity of currently available HEV commercial assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duaa W Al-Sadeq
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amin F Majdalawieh
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Areej G Mesleh
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Omnya M Abdalla
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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32
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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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33
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Izopet J. [HEV and transfusion-recipient risk]. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2018; 76:89-96. [PMID: 29395014 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
HEV infections are mainly food- and water-borne but transfusion-transmission has occurred in both developing and developed countries. The infection is usually asymptomatic but it can lead to fulminant hepatitis in patients with underlying liver disease and pregnant women living in developing countries. It also causes chronic hepatitis E, with progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis, in approximately 60 % of immunocompromised patients infected with HEV genotype 3. Extra-hepatic manifestations such as neurological and renal manifestations have been reported. The risk of a transfusion-transmitted HEV infection is linked to the frequency of viremia in blood donors, the donor virus load and the volume of plasma in the final transfused blood component. Several developed countries have adopted measures to improve blood safety based on the epidemiology of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Izopet
- Laboratoire de virologie, centre national de référence virus des hépatites à transmission entérique (hépatites A et E), institut fédératif de biologie, CHU de Purpan, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse, France; Inserm U1043/CNRS 5282, université Paul-Sabatier, centre de physiopathologie de Toulouse-Purpan, 31024 Toulouse cedex 03, France.
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34
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Bura M, Michalak M, Łagiedo-Żelazowska M, Bukowska A, Bura A, Mozer-Lisewska I. HEV seroprevalence can significantly change after re-assessment. J Med Virol 2018; 90:783-785. [PMID: 29388686 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Bura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Michał Michalak
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | | | | | - Aleksandra Bura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Joseph Strus Multidisciplinary City Hospital in Poznan, Poznań, Poland
| | - Iwona Mozer-Lisewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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35
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Dreier J, Knabbe C, Vollmer T. Transfusion-Transmitted Hepatitis E: NAT Screening of Blood Donations and Infectious Dose. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:5. [PMID: 29450199 PMCID: PMC5799287 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk and importance of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus (TT-HEV) infections by contaminated blood products is currently a controversial discussed topic in transfusion medicine. The infectious dose, in particular, remains an unknown quantity. In the present study, we illuminate and review this aspect seen from the viewpoint of a blood donation service with more than 2 years of experience in routine HEV blood donor screening. We systematically review the actual status of presently known cases of TT-HEV infections and available routine NAT-screening assays. The review of the literature revealed a significant variation regarding the infectious dose causing hepatitis E. We also present the outcome of six cases confronted with HEV-contaminated blood products, identified by routine HEV RNA screening of minipools using the highly sensitive RealStar HEV RT-PCR Kit (95% LOD: 4.7 IU/mL). Finally, the distribution of viral RNA in different blood components [plasma, red blood cell concentrate (RBC), platelet concentrates (PC)] was quantified using the first WHO international standard for HEV RNA for NAT-based assays. None of the six patients receiving an HEV-contaminated blood product from five different donors (donor 1: RBC, donor 2–5: APC) developed an acute hepatitis E infection, most likely due to low viral load in donor plasma (<100 IU/mL). Of note, the distribution of viral RNA in blood components depends on the plasma content of the component; nonetheless, HEV RNA could be detected in RBCs even when low viral plasma loads of 100–1,000 IU/mL are present. Comprehensive retrospective studies of TT-HEV infection offered further insights into the infectivity of HEV RNA-positive blood products. Minipool HEV NAT screening (96 samples) of blood donations should be adequate as a routine screening assay to identify high viremic donors and will cover at least a large part of viremic phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Dreier
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Tanja Vollmer
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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36
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can lead to acute and chronic hepatitis as well as to extrahepatic manifestations such as neurological and renal disease; it is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Four genotypes are responsible for most infection in humans, of which HEV genotypes 1 and 2 are obligate human pathogens and HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are mostly zoonotic. Until quite recently, HEV was considered to be mainly responsible for epidemics of acute hepatitis in developing regions owing to contamination of drinking water supplies with human faeces. However, HEV is increasingly being recognized as endemic in some developed regions. In this setting, infections occur through zoonotic transmission or contaminated blood products and can cause chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised individuals. HEV infections can be diagnosed by measuring anti-HEV antibodies, HEV RNA or viral capsid antigen in blood or stool. Although an effective HEV vaccine exists, it is only licensed for use in China. Acute hepatitis E is usually self-limiting and does not require specific treatment. Management of immunocompromised individuals involves lowering the dose of immunosuppressive drugs and/or treatment with the antiviral agent ribavirin.
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37
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Al-Sadeq DW, Majdalawieh AF, Nasrallah GK. Seroprevalence and incidence of hepatitis E virus among blood donors: A review. Rev Med Virol 2017; 27:e1937. [PMID: 28876496 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus with 4 main genotypes. HEV-1 and HEV-2 infect solely humans, while HEV-3 and HEV-4 infect humans and various animals such as pigs, deer, and rabbits. HEV-5 and HEV-6 infect mainly wild boar. Recently, new genotypes, known as HEV-7 and HEV-8, were found to infect camels and humans. HEV is globally distributed into different epidemiological patterns based on socioeconomic factors and ecology. Although HEV is mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route, it was also recognized as a transfusion-transmitted virus. Transmission through blood donation was documented worldwide with rising annual observations, accounting for more than 2.5% of all transmissions. HEV infection is usually asymptomatic or subclinical in immunocompetent individuals, so it remains questionable whether there is an urgent need to screen for HEV prior to blood transfusion. Moreover, recent studies conducted in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region indicate that HEV is highly endemic. Here, we provide a review on HEV epidemiology, transmission, and laboratory diagnosis, giving special emphasis to the newly discovered genotypes, HEV-7 and HEV-8. Furthermore, we underscore the findings of recent HEV seroprevalence and viremia studies among blood donors worldwide. We also shed light on similar studies performed among blood donors in the MENA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duaa W Al-Sadeq
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amin F Majdalawieh
- Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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38
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Baptista-González H, Trueba-Gómez R, Rosenfeld-Mann F, Roque-Álvarez E, Méndez-Sánchez N. Low prevalence of IgG antibodies against antigens of HEV genotypes 1 and 3 in women with a high-risk pregnancy. J Med Virol 2017; 89:2051-2054. [PMID: 28617960 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess whether high-risk pregnant women have a higher prevalence of HEV during the perinatal period. This was a cross-sectional study of 428 patients: Group 1, 127 women with a high-risk pregnancy; Group 2, 97 asymptomatic people with reactivity to HCV or HBV; Group 3, 94 patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of HEV infection; and Group 4, 110 healthy blood donors from an urban area of Mexico City. ELISA was used to measure antibody to HEV genotypes 1 and 3. The prevalence rates of anti-HEV IgG antibodies were 0.79% in Group 1, 2.1% in Group 2, 7.4% in Group 3, and 0% in Group 4. Women with a high-risk pregnancy did not have a higher prevalence of HEV infection in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocío Trueba-Gómez
- Perinatal Hematology, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Elsa Roque-Álvarez
- Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Liver Research Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
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39
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Early hepatitis E infection in an unrelated hematopoietic progenitor stem cell donor. Bone Marrow Transplant 2017; 52:1471-1472. [PMID: 28714948 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2017.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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40
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Izopet J, Lhomme S, Chapuy-Regaud S, Mansuy JM, Kamar N, Abravanel F. HEV and transfusion-recipient risk. Transfus Clin Biol 2017; 24:176-181. [PMID: 28690036 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
HEV infections are mainly food- and water-borne but transfusion-transmission has occurred in both developing and developed countries. The infection is usually asymptomatic but it can lead to fulminant hepatitis in patients with underlying liver disease and pregnant women living in developing countries. It also causes chronic hepatitis E, with progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis, in approximately 60% of immunocompromised patients infected with HEV genotype 3. The risk of a transfusion-transmitted HEV infection is linked to the frequency of viremia in blood donors, the donor virus load and the volume of plasma in the final transfused blood component. Several developed countries have adopted measures to improve blood safety based on the epidemiology of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Izopet
- Department of virology, National reference center for hepatitis E virus, CHU Purpan, IFB, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse, France; Inserm UMR 1043/CNRS UMR 5282, CPTP, center for pathophysiology of toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse university Paul-Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France.
| | - S Lhomme
- Department of virology, National reference center for hepatitis E virus, CHU Purpan, IFB, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse, France; Inserm UMR 1043/CNRS UMR 5282, CPTP, center for pathophysiology of toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse university Paul-Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - S Chapuy-Regaud
- Department of virology, National reference center for hepatitis E virus, CHU Purpan, IFB, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse, France; Inserm UMR 1043/CNRS UMR 5282, CPTP, center for pathophysiology of toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse university Paul-Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
| | - J-M Mansuy
- Department of virology, National reference center for hepatitis E virus, CHU Purpan, IFB, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - N Kamar
- Inserm UMR 1043/CNRS UMR 5282, CPTP, center for pathophysiology of toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse university Paul-Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France; Department of nephrology and organ transplantation, CHU Rangueil, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - F Abravanel
- Department of virology, National reference center for hepatitis E virus, CHU Purpan, IFB, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse, France; Inserm UMR 1043/CNRS UMR 5282, CPTP, center for pathophysiology of toulouse-Purpan, Toulouse university Paul-Sabatier, 31024 Toulouse, France
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41
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Domanović D, Tedder R, Blümel J, Zaaijer H, Gallian P, Niederhauser C, Sauleda Oliveras S, O'Riordan J, Boland F, Harritshøj L, Nascimento MSJ, Ciccaglione AR, Politis C, Adlhoch C, Flan B, Oualikene-Gonin W, Rautmann G, Strengers P, Hewitt P. Hepatitis E and blood donation safety in selected European countries: a shift to screening? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 22:30514. [PMID: 28449730 PMCID: PMC5404480 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.16.30514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The public health implications of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Europe have changed due to increasing numbers of hepatitis E cases and recent reports of chronic, persistent HEV infections associated with progression to cirrhosis in immunosuppressed patients. The main infectious risk for such immunosuppressed patients is exposure to undercooked infected pork products and blood transfusion. We summarised the epidemiology of HEV infections among blood donors and also outlined any strategies to prevent transfusion-transmitted HEV, in 11 European countries. In response to the threat posed by HEV and related public and political concerns, most of the observed countries determined seroprevalence of HEV in donors and presence of HEV RNA in blood donations. France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK) reported cases of transfusion-transmitted HEV. Ireland and the UK have already implemented HEV RNA screening of blood donations; the Netherlands will start in 2017. Germany and France perform screening for HEV RNA in several blood establishments or plasma donations intended for use in high-risk patients respectively and, with Switzerland, are considering implementing selective or universal screening nationwide. In Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain, the blood authorities are evaluating the situation. Denmark decided not to implement the HEV screening of blood donations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragoslav Domanović
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Richard Tedder
- Hepatitis E Study Group, Joint PHE/NHSBT Blood Borne Virus Unit, PHE, Colindale, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Blümel
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines, Virus Safety Section, Langen, Germany
| | - Hans Zaaijer
- Sanquin, Blood-borne Infections & AMC, Clinical Virology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Fiona Boland
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lene Harritshøj
- Rigshospitalet, Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Anna Rita Ciccaglione
- National Health Institute, Viral Hepatitis Division, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cornelia Adlhoch
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benoit Flan
- LFB Biomedicaments, Biological Safety Surveillance, Courtaboeuf Cedex, France
| | - Wahiba Oualikene-Gonin
- Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé, Saint-Denis Cedex, France
| | - Guy Rautmann
- European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and HealthCare, Strasbourg, France
| | - Paul Strengers
- International Plasma Fractionation Association, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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van Vulpen LFD, Saccullo G, Iorio A, Makris M. The current state of adverse event reporting in hemophilia. Expert Rev Hematol 2016; 10:161-168. [PMID: 28013565 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2017.1272410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Replacement of the missing clotting factor is the mainstay of hemophilia treatment. Whilst historically many hemophilia patients were infected with blood-borne viruses transmitted via plasma-derived products, nowadays the formation of alloantibodies against the missing clotting factor is the main adverse event of treatment. Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of the current national and international adverse event reporting systems, what these surveillance schemes taught us about side effects of the products presently in use, and elaborates on how to adapt these systems to the challenges we face with the changing treatment landscape. Expert commentary: Treatment of inherited bleeding disorders was accompanied by severe complications in the past, resulting in major morbidity and mortality. Current products are much safer, but still require monitoring via efficient safety surveillance systems. Adverse events are reported in national and international systems. With many new products entering the market, as well as non-factor replacement therapies, new safety issues may arise. It is important to identify potential adverse events early by making surveillance systems suitable to pick up unknown or unexpected effects, and to recognize and communicate patterns of adverse events rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lize F D van Vulpen
- a Sheffield Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital , Sheffield , UK.,b Van Creveldkliniek, University Medical Center Utrecht , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Giorgia Saccullo
- a Sheffield Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital , Sheffield , UK
| | - Alfonso Iorio
- c Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics , McMaster University , Hamilton , ON , Canada
| | - Michael Makris
- a Sheffield Haemophilia and Thrombosis Centre, Royal Hallamshire Hospital , Sheffield , UK.,d Department of Infection , Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield , Sheffield , UK
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Hepatitis E Virus in Industrialized Countries: The Silent Threat. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:9838041. [PMID: 28070522 PMCID: PMC5192302 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9838041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Its presence in developing countries has been documented for decades. Developed countries were supposed to be virus-free and initially only imported cases were detected in those areas. However, sporadic and autochthonous cases of HEV infection have been identified and studies reveal that the virus is worldwide spread. Chronic hepatitis and multiple extrahepatic manifestations have also been associated with HEV. We review the data from European countries, where human, animal, and environmental data have been collected since the 90s. In Europe, autochthonous HEV strains were first detected in the late 90s and early 2000s. Since then, serological data have shown that the virus infects quite frequently the European population and that some species, such as pigs, wild boars, and deer, are reservoirs. HEV strains can be isolated from environmental samples and reach the food chain, as shown by the detection of the virus in mussels and in contaminated pork products as sausages or meat. All these data highlight the need of studies directed to control the sources of HEV to protect immunocompromised individuals that seem the weakest link of the HEV epidemiology in industrialized regions.
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