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Bienz M, Renaud C, Liu JR, Wong P, Pelletier P. Hepatitis E Virus in the United States and Canada: Is It Time to Consider Blood Donation Screening? Transfus Med Rev 2024; 38:150835. [PMID: 39059853 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2024.150835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in the world and can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised individuals. HEV is primarily transmitted through eating pork, which has led to an increased in anti-HEV IgG seropositivity in the general population of Europe in particular. However, it can also be transmitted intravenously, such as through transfusions. The growing evidence of HEV contamination of blood products and documented cases of transmission have given rise to practice changes and blood product screening of HEV in many European countries. This review covers the abundant European literature and focuses on the most recent data pertaining to the prevalence of HEV RNA positivity and IgG seropositivity in the North American general population and in blood products from Canada and the United States. Currently, Health Canada and the Food and Drug Administration do not require testing of HEV in blood products. For this reason, awareness among blood product prescribers about the possibility of HEV transmission through blood products is crucial. However, we also demonstrate that the province of Quebec has a prevalence of anti-HEV and HEV RNA positivity similar to some European countries. In light of this, we believe that HEV RNA blood donation screening be reevaluated with the availability of more cost-effective assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Bienz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Christian Renaud
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious diseases, and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jia Ru Liu
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Philip Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patricia Pelletier
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Plümers R, Dreier J, Knabbe C, Gömer A, Steinmann E, Todt D, Vollmer T. Hepatitis E virus infections in German blood donors: results of 8 years of screening, 2015 to 2022. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300665. [PMID: 38873797 PMCID: PMC11177570 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.24.2300665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundAwareness of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E raised in recent years led to the mandatory testing of blood donations in some European countries for hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA. However, little is known about the epidemiology of HEV infections.AimTo and describe and analyse the epidemiology of HEV infections in blood donors in Germany.MethodsData from routine testing of therapeutic blood products donated between January 2015 and December 2022 at the Uni.Blutspendedienst OWL were analysed at the Institute of Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Heart and Diabetes Centre North Rhine-Westphalia. A total of 731,630 allogenic blood donations from 119,610 individual blood donors were tested for HEV RNA in minipools of 96 samples. The HEV RNA-positive donations were analysed for the presence of anti-HEV IgM and IgG. The HEV strains were genotyped and various clinical liver-specific parameters were determined.ResultsA total of 497 HEV-positive blood donations were identified, resulting in a yearly incidence of 1:1,474, from which 78.4% of the donations were RNA-only positive. Increased alanine aminotransferase activity was determined in 26.6% of HEV RNA-positive donors and was associated with the detection of IgG antibodies (1.2% anti-HEV IgM-positive, 11.9% anti-HEV IgM- and IgG-positive and 8.5% anti-HEV IgG-positive). An average incidence of 0.084-0.083% HEV RNA-positive donations in June and July in all years was observed, and a higher proportion of HEV RNA-positive men compared with women. All isolated HEV sequences corresponded to genotype 3.ConclusionOur results underline the necessity of HEV RNA screening in blood donations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda Plümers
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Jens Dreier
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - André Gömer
- Department for Molecular und Medical Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany
- Department for Molecular und Medical Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
- Department for Molecular und Medical Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Tanja Vollmer
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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Li M, He Q, Li T, Wan W, Zhou H. Development and evaluation of a CRISPR-Cas13a system-based diagnostic for hepatitis E virus. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:1237-1247. [PMID: 38153113 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. HEV RNA detection is the gold standard for HEV infection diagnosis and PCR methods are commonly used but are usually time-consuming and expensive, resulting in low detection efficiency and coverage, especially in low-income areas. Here, we developed a simpler and more accessible HEV RNA detection method based on CRISPR-Cas13a system. METHODS A total of 265 samples of different types and sources, including 89 positive samples and 176 negative samples, were enrolled for evaluations. The sensitivity and specificity of the Cas13a-crRNA detection system were evaluated. The World Health Organization reference panel for HEV genotypes was used to evaluate the capability for detecting different HEV genotypes. The validity of the assay was compared with RT-qPCR. RESULTS The 95 % limits of detection (LOD) of Cas13a-crRNA-based fluorescence assay and strip assay were 12.5 and 200 IU/mL, respectively. They did not show cross-reactivity with samples positive for hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, coxsackievirus A16, rotavirus, enterovirus 71, norovirus or enteropathic Escherichia coli. Different HEV genotypes (HEV1-4) can be detected by the assay. Compared to RT-qPCR, the positive predictive agreements of Cas13a-crRNA-based fluorescence and strip assay were 98.9 % (95 % CI: 93.9-99.8 %) and 91.0 % (95 % CI: 83.3-95.4 %), respectively. The negative predictive agreements were both 100 % (95 % CI: 97.8-100 %). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we established a rapid and convenient HEV RNA detection method with good sensitivity and specificity based on CRISPR-Cas13a system, providing a new option for HEV infection diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyu Li
- Division I of In Vitro Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases, Institute for In Vitro Diagnostics Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Qiyu He
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wenjun Wan
- Division I of In Vitro Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases, Institute for In Vitro Diagnostics Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Haiwei Zhou
- Division I of In Vitro Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases, Institute for In Vitro Diagnostics Control, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, P.R. China
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Plümers R, Dreier J, Knabbe C, Steinmann E, Todt D, Vollmer T. Kinetics of Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Asymptomatic Persons. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:934-940. [PMID: 38666600 PMCID: PMC11060471 DOI: 10.3201/eid3005.231764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
To determine the kinetics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in asymptomatic persons and to evaluate viral load doubling time and half-life, we retrospectively tested samples retained from 32 HEV RNA-positive asymptomatic blood donors in Germany. Close-meshed monitoring of viral load and seroconversion in intervals of ≈4 days provided more information about the kinetics of asymptomatic HEV infections. We determined that a typical median infection began with PCR-detectable viremia at 36 days and a maximum viral load of 2.0 × 104 IU/mL. Viremia doubled in 2.4 days and had a half-life of 1.6 days. HEV IgM started to rise on about day 33 and peaked on day 36; IgG started to rise on about day 32 and peaked on day 53. Although HEV IgG titers remained stable, IgM titers became undetectable in 40% of donors. Knowledge of the dynamics of HEV viremia is useful for assessing the risk for transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E.
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Potemkin IA, Kyuregyan KK, Karlsen AA, Isaeva OV, Kichatova VS, Lopatukhina MA, Asadi Mobarkhan FA, Zlobina AG, Zheltobriukh AV, Bocharova KA, Belyakova VV, Rassolova SV, Ivanova NV, Solonin SA, Bazhenov AI, Godkov MA, Mikhailov MI. Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Voluntary Blood Donors in the Russian Federation. Viruses 2024; 16:526. [PMID: 38675869 PMCID: PMC11054373 DOI: 10.3390/v16040526] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an increasing concern in many countries. We investigated the detection rate of HEV viremia in blood donors in Russia. A total of 20,405 regular repetitive voluntary non-renumerated blood donors from two regions (Moscow and Belgorod) were screened for HEV RNA using the cobas® HEV test in mini-pools of six plasma samples. Samples from each reactive pool were tested individually. The average HEV RNA prevalence was 0.024% (95% CI: 0.01-0.05%), or 1 case per 4081 donations. No statistically significant differences in HEV RNA prevalence were observed between the two study regions. The PCR threshold cycle (Ct) values ranged from 25.0 to 40.5 in reactive pools, and from 20.9 to 41.4 in reactive plasma samples when tested individually. The HEV viremic donors had different antibody patterns. Two donor samples were reactive for both anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies, one sample was reactive for anti-HEV IgM and negative for anti-HEV IgG, and two samples were seronegative. At follow-up testing 6 months later, on average, four donors available for follow-up had become negative for HEV RNA and positive for anti-HEV IgG. The HEV ORF2 sequence belonging to HEV-3 sub-genotype 3a was obtained from one donor sample. The sequencing failed in the other four samples from viremic donors, presumably due to the low viral load. In conclusion, the HEV RNA detection rate in blood donors in Russia corresponds with data from other European countries, including those that implemented universal donor HEV screening. These data support the implementation of HEV RNA donor screening to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV infection in Russia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya A. Potemkin
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.P.); (A.A.K.); (O.V.I.); (V.S.K.); (M.A.L.); (F.A.A.M.); (M.I.M.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
| | - Karen K. Kyuregyan
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.P.); (A.A.K.); (O.V.I.); (V.S.K.); (M.A.L.); (F.A.A.M.); (M.I.M.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia A. Karlsen
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.P.); (A.A.K.); (O.V.I.); (V.S.K.); (M.A.L.); (F.A.A.M.); (M.I.M.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Isaeva
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.P.); (A.A.K.); (O.V.I.); (V.S.K.); (M.A.L.); (F.A.A.M.); (M.I.M.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera S. Kichatova
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.P.); (A.A.K.); (O.V.I.); (V.S.K.); (M.A.L.); (F.A.A.M.); (M.I.M.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A. Lopatukhina
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.P.); (A.A.K.); (O.V.I.); (V.S.K.); (M.A.L.); (F.A.A.M.); (M.I.M.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
| | - Fedor A. Asadi Mobarkhan
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.P.); (A.A.K.); (O.V.I.); (V.S.K.); (M.A.L.); (F.A.A.M.); (M.I.M.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna G. Zlobina
- Belgorod Blood Center, 308007 Belgorod, Russia; (A.G.Z.); (A.V.Z.)
| | | | - Ksenia A. Bocharova
- Medical Faculty, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia;
| | - Vera V. Belyakova
- Gavrilov Moscow Blood Center, Moscow Health Department, 125284 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.B.); (S.V.R.); (N.V.I.)
| | - Svetlana V. Rassolova
- Gavrilov Moscow Blood Center, Moscow Health Department, 125284 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.B.); (S.V.R.); (N.V.I.)
| | - Nadezhda V. Ivanova
- Gavrilov Moscow Blood Center, Moscow Health Department, 125284 Moscow, Russia; (V.V.B.); (S.V.R.); (N.V.I.)
| | - Sergey A. Solonin
- Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine, Moscow Health Department, 129090 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.S.); (A.I.B.); (M.A.G.)
| | - Alexey I. Bazhenov
- Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine, Moscow Health Department, 129090 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.S.); (A.I.B.); (M.A.G.)
| | - Mikhail A. Godkov
- Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine, Moscow Health Department, 129090 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.S.); (A.I.B.); (M.A.G.)
| | - Mikhail I. Mikhailov
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia; (I.A.P.); (A.A.K.); (O.V.I.); (V.S.K.); (M.A.L.); (F.A.A.M.); (M.I.M.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
- Medical Faculty, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia;
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Viral agents (2nd section). Transfusion 2024; 64 Suppl 1:S19-S207. [PMID: 38394038 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
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Zahmanova G, Takova K, Tonova V, Koynarski T, Lukov LL, Minkov I, Pishmisheva M, Kotsev S, Tsachev I, Baymakova M, Andonov AP. The Re-Emergence of Hepatitis E Virus in Europe and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2023; 15:1558. [PMID: 37515244 PMCID: PMC10383931 DOI: 10.3390/v15071558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis. Transmission of HEV mainly occurs via the fecal-oral route (ingesting contaminated water or food) or by contact with infected animals and their raw meat products. Some animals, such as pigs, wild boars, sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, rats, etc., are natural reservoirs of HEV, which places people in close contact with them at increased risk of HEV disease. Although hepatitis E is a self-limiting infection, it could also lead to severe illness, particularly among pregnant women, or chronic infection in immunocompromised people. A growing number of studies point out that HEV can be classified as a re-emerging virus in developed countries. Preventative efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of acute and chronic hepatitis E in non-endemic and endemic countries. There is a recombinant HEV vaccine, but it is approved for use and commercially available only in China and Pakistan. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the necessity of applying a preventive vaccine and to create conditions for reducing the spread of HEV. This review emphasizes the hepatitis E virus and its importance for public health in Europe, the methods of virus transmission and treatment, and summarizes the latest studies on HEV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Valeria Tonova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetoslav Koynarski
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Laura L Lukov
- Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Pishmisheva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pazardzhik Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Stanislav Kotsev
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pazardzhik Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anton P Andonov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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Hanno AEF, Khouly EE, Abdel-Rauof M, Moghazy A, Dauod S. Seroprevalence of hepatitis E viral infection among apparently healthy personnels and patients with certain neurological disorders in Alexandria University Hospitals. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023; 13:30. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-023-00266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis. There are thought to be 20 million infections per year in poorer nations with inadequate sanitation. In Egypt, awareness about the possible hazards linked to HEV infection is limited due to low socioeconomic and educational levels. Only a small number of sequences have been characterized, making HEV study in Egypt constrained. Numerous factors may have contributed to this neglect. Various extra-hepatic symptoms of HEV infection include neurological problems are recognized. Many European nations have implemented regular HEV monitoring, or targeted screening of blood provided by patients at greater risk to stop the spread of HEV by transfusion.
Aim
Assess the prevalence of HEV infection in asymptomatic blood donors. Increasing awareness about HEV testing in patients with some unexplained neurological disorders.
Methods
Cross-sectional study involving 550 patients: 500 apparently healthy blood donors and 50 patients with some neurological disorders. All subjects were tested for serological markers (IgG and IgM) for HEV using ELISA technique in addition to HEV RNA PCR testing for seropositive patients.
Results
Five hundred asymptomatic blood donors (370 males and 130 females), ages ranging from 20 to 50 years (median 33), 22.6% of them tested positive for HEV (IgG and IgM) of which 2 subjects only had positive HEV RNA PCR testing. In the second group 50 patients (26 males and 24 females) with various unexplained neurological disorders. Liver functions were within normal or showed only a mild increase. Forty-four percent of the patients had positive serology for HEV, with 6 patients testing positive for HEV RNA on PCR.
Conclusion
No need for mass screening for HEV serology among blood donors. HEV infection needs to be considered in patients with unexplained neurological disorders even if the liver functions are not markedly elevated.
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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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Pitman JP, Payrat JM, Park MS, Liu K, Corash L, Benjamin RJ. Longitudinal analysis of annual national hemovigilance data to assess pathogen reduced platelet transfusion trends during conversion to routine universal clinical use and 7-day storage. Transfusion 2023; 63:711-723. [PMID: 36802055 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17285] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND France converted to universal pathogen reduced (PR; amotosalen/UVA) platelets in 2017 and extended platelet component (PC) shelf-life from 5- to 7-days in 2018 and 2019. Annual national hemovigilance (HV) reports characterized longitudinal PC utilization and safety over 11 years, including several years prior to PR adoption as the national standard of care. METHODS Data were extracted from published annual HV reports. Apheresis and pooled buffy coat [BC] PC use was compared. Transfusion reactions (TRs) were stratified by type, severity, and causality. Trends were assessed for three periods: Baseline (2010-14; ~7% PR), Period 1 ([P1] 2015-17; 8%-21% PR), and Period 2 ([P2] 2018-20; 100% PR). RESULTS PC use increased by 19.1% between 2010 and 2020. Pooled BC PC production increased from 38.8% to 68.2% of total PCs. Annual changes in PCs issued averaged 2.4% per year at baseline, -0.02% (P1) and 2.8% (P2). The increase in P2 coincided with a reduction in the target platelet dose and extension to 7-day storage. Allergic reactions, alloimmunization, febrile non-hemolytic TRs, immunologic incompatibility, and ineffective transfusions accounted for >90% of TRs. Overall, TR incidence per 100,000 PCs issued declined from 527.9 (2010) to 345.7 (2020). Severe TR rates declined 34.8% between P1-P2. Forty-six transfusion-transmitted bacterial infections (TTBI) were associated with conventional PCs during baseline and P1. No TTBI were associated with amotosalen/UVA PCs. Infections with Hepatitis E (HEV) a non-enveloped virus resistant to PR, were reported in all periods. DISCUSSION Longitudinal HV analysis demonstrated stable PC utilization trends with reduced patient risk during conversion to universal 7-day amotosalen/UVA PCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Pitman
- Scientific and Medical Affairs, Cerus Corporation, Concord, California, USA
| | | | - Min-Sun Park
- Biostatistics and Data Management, Cerus Corporation, Concord, California, USA
| | - Kathy Liu
- Biostatistics and Data Management, Cerus Corporation, Concord, California, USA
| | - Laurence Corash
- Scientific and Medical Affairs, Cerus Corporation, Concord, California, USA
| | - Richard J Benjamin
- Scientific and Medical Affairs, Cerus Corporation, Concord, California, USA
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12
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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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13
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Geng Y, Shi T, Wang Y. Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:73-92. [PMID: 37223860 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) occurs predominantly by the fecal-oral route. Large epidemics of hepatitis E in the developing countries of Asia and Africa are waterborne and spread through contaminated drinking water. The reservoir of HEV in developed countries is believed to be in animals with zoonotic transmission to humans, possibly through direct contact or the consumption of undercooked contaminated meat. And HEV transmission through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and vertical transmission has been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Tengfei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China.
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14
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Fares-Gusmao R, Jiang Z, Subramaniam S, Visser BJ, Scott A, Ishida Y, Saito T, Baylis SA, McGivern DR. Development and characterization of secondary standards for nucleic acid amplification technology (NAAT) assays for detection of hepatitis E virus. J Clin Virol 2022; 157:105325. [PMID: 36395548 PMCID: PMC9714074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2022.105325] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To harmonize assays for detection of HEV RNA, a World Health Organization International Standard (WHO IS) was established. The WHO IS represents the highest order standard for HEV RNA but is limited in quantity. Secondary standards are needed to limit the use of WHO IS and minimize the need to replace it. OBJECTIVE Establish secondary standards for HEV NAAT assays and to calibrate these against the WHO IS. METHODS Stocks of genotype 3 HEV were prepared using both cell lysates and cell culture supernatants to produce non-enveloped and quasi-enveloped virus stocks, respectively. Both stocks were heat-inactivated, diluted in negative human plasma, and lyophilized to produce two candidate secondary standards: HEV-RR (non-enveloped virus) and HEV-RR.1 (quasi-enveloped virus). Both candidate standards were characterized and calibrated against the WHO IS for HEV RNA in an international collaborative study. RESULTS The collaborative study returned a total of 15 data sets, with different RNA extraction and amplification methods. The estimated mean values relative to the WHO IS (250,000 IU/ml) are 229,000 IU/ml and 355,000 IU/ml for HEV-RR and HEV-RR.1, respectively. CONCLUSION We have established two secondary standards for HEV RNA calibrated against the WHO IS. These standards are non-infectious and stable under different storage temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaelle Fares-Gusmao
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhen Jiang
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Sakthivel Subramaniam
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Bryan J Visser
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Alysia Scott
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Yuji Ishida
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.; Research and Development Department, PhoenixBio, Co., Ltd, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sally A Baylis
- Viral Safety Section, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - David R McGivern
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA..
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15
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Healy K, Freij U, Ellerstad M, Aulin LBS, Brückle L, Hillmering H, Chen MS, Gustafsson R. Evaluating the prevalence of Hepatitis E virus infection in a large cohort of European blood donors, 2015-2018. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:835-839. [PMID: 35499211 PMCID: PMC9545359 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in Europe. However, standardized methods for the surveillance of HEV viremia in the general population are lacking. This study aimed to compare the incidence of HEV among blood donors in two European countries, Germany and Portugal, during the period 2015-2018. The seasonal distribution of HEV infection, as well as host risk factors including age, sex, and blood group phenotype were explored. A total of 191,236 donations from Germany and Portugal were tested for HEV RNA in plasma mini-pools of up to 96 donations using an internally controlled reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay. The 95% cut-off of the assay was 15 International Units (IU)/mL (CI 10-35 IU/mL) as determined by dilution of the WHO International Standard for HEV RNA. Blood type was determined by agglutination and pattern recognition using the Beckmann Coulter PK 7300 AB0- and Rhesus-Assay. The overall positivity rate was 0.09% with significantly more infections observed in the German cohort (p < 0.0001). Infections peaked in the summer months, and investigation of risk factors revealed that incidence was significantly higher amongst males (p = 0.0002), but was not associated with ABO or Rh(D) blood group phenotypes. No significant relationships between risk factors and viral load were observed. Our findings confirm that HEV infections are highly prevalent in Europe, even amongst otherwise healthy blood donors. Increasing awareness of the seasonal spread and risk factors for HEV transmission is of great importance for individuals susceptible to more severe forms of the disease, such as immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Healy
- Division of Clinical Diagnostics and SurgeryDepartment of Dental MedicineKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | | | | | - Linda B. S. Aulin
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug ResearchLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Margaret Sällberg Chen
- Division of Clinical Diagnostics and SurgeryDepartment of Dental MedicineKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Rasmus Gustafsson
- Octapharma ABStockholmSweden,Center for Molecular MedicineDepartment of Clinical NeuroscienceKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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16
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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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17
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Characteristics of hepatitis E viral infections in Hungary. J Clin Virol 2022; 155:105250. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2022.105250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Schemmerer M, Wenzel JJ, Stark K, Faber M. Molecular epidemiology and genotype-specific disease severity of hepatitis E virus infections in Germany, 2010-2019. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1754-1763. [PMID: 35713010 PMCID: PMC9295818 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2091479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in Europe. Genotype 3 (HEV-3) is predominant but information on subtype distribution, trends and clinical implications in Germany is scarce. We analysed 936 HEV RNA positive samples of human origin and corresponding national surveillance data from 2010 to 2019. Samples were referred to the National Consultant Laboratory and sequenced in at least one of four genomic regions. Sequences were analysed using bioinformatics methods and compared to the latest HEV reference set. 1,656 sequences were obtained from 300 female, 611 male and 25 of unknown sex aged 3–92 years (median 55 years). HEV-3c was predominant (67.3%) followed by HEV-3f, HEV-3e and HEV-3i(-like) with 14.3%, 9.7% and 4.0% (other subtypes ≤1.1%). The proportion of HEV-3 group 2 (3abchijklm) strains increased over time. Jaundice, upper abdominal pain, fever, hospitalization, and death due to HEV were significantly more often reported for patients infected with HEV-3 group 1 (3efg) compared to group 2. Larger spatio-temporal clusters of identical sequences were not observed. HEV-3 group 1 infections are more severe as compared to the predominant group 2. Detection of group 2 strains increased over the last years, possibly due to more frequent diagnosis of asymptomatic and mild courses. The diversity of strains and the space–time distribution is compatible with a foodborne zoonosis with supra-regional distribution of the infection vehicle (pork products).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Schemmerer
- National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen J Wenzel
- National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Stark
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirko Faber
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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19
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Cook N, D’Agostino M, Wood A, Scobie L. Real-Time PCR-Based Methods for Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Pork Products: A Critical Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020428. [PMID: 35208881 PMCID: PMC8877315 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Standard methods for detection of hepatitis A virus and norovirus in at-risk foodstuffs are available, but currently there is no standard method for detection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pork products or other foods that can be contaminated with the virus. Detection assays for HEV are mainly based on nucleic acid amplification, particularly the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) in real-time format. RTPCR-based methods can be sensitive and specific, but they require a suite of controls to verify that they have performed correctly. There have been several RTPCR methods developed to detect HEV in pork products, varying in details of sample preparation and RTPCR target sequences. This review critically discusses published HEV detection methods, with emphasis on those that have been successfully used in subsequent studies and surveys. RTPCR assays have been used both qualitatively and quantitatively, although in the latter case the data acquired are only reliable if appropriate assay calibration has been performed. One particular RTPCR assay appears to be ideal for incorporation in a standard method, as it has been demonstrated to be highly specific and sensitive, and an appropriate control and calibration standard is available. The review focuses on the detection of HEV in pork products and similar foodstuffs (e.g., boar). The information may be useful to inform standardisation activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Cook
- Jorvik Food Safety Services, York YO32 2GN, UK
- Correspondence: (N.C.); (L.S.)
| | | | - Ann Wood
- Campden BRI, Chipping Campden GL55 6LD, UK; (M.D.); (A.W.)
| | - Linda Scobie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
- Correspondence: (N.C.); (L.S.)
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20
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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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21
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Dunn R, Wetten A, McPherson S, Donnelly MC. Viral hepatitis in 2021: The challenges remaining and how we should tackle them. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:76-95. [PMID: 35125820 PMCID: PMC8793011 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i1.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis results in 1.4 million deaths annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) set an ambitious target to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030, but significant challenges remain. These include inequalities in access to healthcare, reaching at risk populations and providing access to screening and effective treatment. Stigma around viral hepatitis persists and must be addressed. The WHO goal of global elimination by 2030 is a worthy aim, but remains ambitious and the coronavirus 2019 pandemic undoubtedly has set back progress. This review article will focus on hepatitis A to E, highlighting problems that have been resolved in the field over the past decade, those that remain to be resolved and suggest directions for future problem solving and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Dunn
- Gastroenterology, University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton on Tees TS198PE, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron Wetten
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE77DN, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE17RU, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle NE77DN, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE17RU, United Kingdom
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22
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Bes M, Costafreda MI, Riveiro-Barciela M, Piron M, Rico A, Quer J, Puig L, Sauleda S. Effect of Hepatitis E Virus RNA Universal Blood Donor Screening, Catalonia, Spain, 2017‒2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:157-165. [PMID: 34932460 PMCID: PMC8714212 DOI: 10.3201/eid2801.211466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis in several countries in Europe. HEV is acquired mainly by consumption of contaminated pork but can also be transmitted through blood transfusion. HEV infection is usually self-limited but can become persistent in immunocompromised persons. During the first 30 months of HEV RNA universal screening of blood donations in Catalonia, Spain, we identified 151 HEV RNA-positive donations (1/4,341 blood donations). Most infected donors reported consumption of pates and sausages, and 58% were negative for HEV IgM and IgG. All HEV isolates belonged to genotype 3. All infected donors spontaneously resolved the infection, and no neurologic symptoms and reinfections were observed after 1 year of follow-up. Since the implementation of HEV RNA universal screening, no new cases of transfusion-transmitted HEV infection were reported. Our data indicate HEV screening of blood donations provides safer blood for all recipients, especially for immunosuppressed persons.
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23
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Trongtorsak A, Chaisidhivej N, Yadav K, Kim J, Thongprayoon C, Cheungpasitporn W, Hansrivijit P. Hepatitis E virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Investig Med 2021; 70:853-858. [PMID: 34930797 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-002102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Although most patients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, its infection is generally underdiagnosed and overlooked. In immunocompromised patients, HEV infection can lead to acute liver failure and death. However, the clinical evidence of HEV infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients is scarce; thus, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of HEV infection in this population. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception through October 2020 to identify studies that reported the prevalence of HEV infection among HSCT recipients. HEV infections were confirmed by HEV-IgG/IgM or HEV-RNA assay. A total of 1977 patients from nine studies with a follow-up time up to 40 months were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of positive HEV-RNA was 3.0% (95% CI 2.3% to 4.0%). The pooled prevalence of positive HEV-IgG was 10.3% (95% CI 4.5% to 21.8%). The pooled prevalence of de novo HEV infection was 2.9% (95% CI 1.8% to 4.5%). Age and male gender were not associated with HEV-RNA or HEV-IgG positivity in the meta-regression analysis. In conclusion, the prevalence of HEV-IgG in HSCT recipients was about 10%, while the prevalence of HEV-RNA was only 3%. However, further studies that focus on the clinical outcomes in this population are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angkawipa Trongtorsak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amita Health Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Natapat Chaisidhivej
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kritika Yadav
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amita Health Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Jinah Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Panupong Hansrivijit
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Ji Y, Li P, Jia Y, Wang X, Zheng Q, Peppelenbosch MP, Ma Z, Pan Q. Estimating the burden and modeling mitigation strategies of pork-related hepatitis E virus foodborne transmission in representative European countries. One Health 2021; 13:100350. [PMID: 34841035 PMCID: PMC8606544 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen posing global health burden, and the concerns in Europe are tremendously growing. Pigs serve as a main reservoir, contributing to pork-related foodborne transmission. In this study, we aim to specifically simulate this foodborne transmission route and to assess potential interventions. We firstly established a dose-response relationship between the risk of transmission to human and the amount of ingested viruses. We further estimated the incidence of HEV infection specifically attributed to pork-related foodborne transmission in four representative European countries. Finally, we demonstrated a proof-of-concept of mitigating HEV transmission by implementing vaccination in human and pig populations. Our modeling approach bears essential implications for better understanding the transmission of pork-related foodborne HEV and for developing mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Ji
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Genetics, Inner Mongolian Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Inner Mongolian, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yueqi Jia
- Department of Genetics, Inner Mongolian Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Inner Mongolian, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Department of Genetics, Inner Mongolian Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Inner Mongolian, China
| | - Qinyue Zheng
- School of Management, Shandong Key Laboratory of Social Supernetwork Computation and Decision Simulation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zhongren Ma
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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25
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Mikulska M, Penack O, Wendel L, Knelange N, Cornelissen JJ, Blijlevens N, Passweg J, Kroger N, Bruns A, Koenecke C, Bierings M, Piñana JL, Labussiere-Wallet H, Ghesquieres H, Diaz MA, Sampol A, Averbuch D, de la Camara R, Styczynski J. HEV infection in stem cell transplant recipients-retrospective study of EBMT Infectious Diseases Working Party. Bone Marrow Transplant 2021; 57:167-175. [PMID: 34689177 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-021-01497-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
HEV infection is an emerging cause of acute and chronic hepatitis in stem cell transplant (SCT) recipients. We performed a retrospective observational study among EBMT centers with the aim of describing characteristics, management and outcome of HEV after SCT. There were 34 cases of HEV infection from 12 centers in 6 countries, diagnosed in median 4.5 months after SCT; 20 of acute and 14 of chronic infection. Non-hepatic findings possibly associated with HEV infection were present in 9 (26%). Patients with chronic infection had more characteristics associated with severely immunocompromised status. Ribavirin was provided to 16 patients (47%; 40% with acute and 57% with chronic infection), in median for 75 days. Three (19%) patients discontinued it due to side effects. HEV-RNA clearance occurred in 29 patients (85%; 85% in acute and 86% in chronic infection). HEV was considered a cause of death in 3 (9%), with 2 cases with late diagnosis. Reduction of immunosuppression in those receiving it, and ribavirin treatment in those with chronic infection were associated with shorter time to HEV-RNA clearance. Policy on HEV testing varied between the centers. In conclusion, acute and chronic HEV hepatitis should be promptly diagnosed and managed in SCT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Mikulska
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Genoa (DISSAL) and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| | - Olaf Penack
- Department of Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumorimmunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lotus Wendel
- EBMT Data Office, Dept. Medical Statistics & Bioinformatics, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Knelange
- EBMT Data Office, Dept. Medical Statistics & Bioinformatics, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan J Cornelissen
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Nicolaus Kroger
- Department of Stem cell Transplantation, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anke Bruns
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christian Koenecke
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Haematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marc Bierings
- Princess Maxima Center/University Hospital for Children (WKZ) Stem cell transplantation, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - José Luis Piñana
- Hospital Clínico Universatario of Valencia, INCLIVA foundation, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Herve Ghesquieres
- Department Haematology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre Benite, France
| | | | | | - Diana Averbuch
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem; Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Jan Styczynski
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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26
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Smith I, Said B, Vaughan A, Haywood B, Ijaz S, Reynolds C, Brailsford S, Russell K, Morgan D. Case-Control Study of Risk Factors for Acquired Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Blood Donors, United Kingdom, 2018-2019. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1654-1661. [PMID: 34013866 PMCID: PMC8153866 DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.203964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in England. Substantial yearly increases of autochthonous infections were observed during 2003–2016 and again during 2017–2019. Previous studies associated acute HEV cases with consumption of processed pork products, we investigated risk factors for autochthonous HEV infections in the blood donor population in England. Study participants were 117 HEV RNA–positive blood donors and 564 HEV RNA–negative blood donors. No persons with positive results were vegetarian; 97.4% of persons with positive results reported eating pork products. Consuming bacon (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.7–5.5; p<0.0001), cured pork meats (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.2–5.4; p<0.0001), and pigs’ liver (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.0–8.3; p = 0.04) were significantly associated with HEV infection. Our findings confirm previous links to pork products and suggest that appropriate animal husbandry is essential to reduce the risk for HEV infection.
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27
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Velavan TP, Pallerla SR, Johne R, Todt D, Steinmann E, Schemmerer M, Wenzel JJ, Hofmann J, Shih JWK, Wedemeyer H, Bock CT. Hepatitis E: An update on One Health and clinical medicine. Liver Int 2021; 41:1462-1473. [PMID: 33960603 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the main causes of acute hepatitis and the de facto global burden is underestimated. HEV-related clinical complications are often undetected and are not considered in the differential diagnosis. Convincing findings from studies suggest that HEV is clinically relevant not only in developing countries but also in industrialized countries. Eight HEV genotypes (HEV-1 to HEV-8) with different human and animal hosts and other HEV-related viruses are in circulation. Transmission routes vary by genotype and location, with large waterborne outbreaks in developing countries and zoonotic food-borne infections in developed countries. An acute infection can be aggravated in pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, patients with pre-existing liver disease and immunosuppressed patients. HEV during pregnancy affects the fetus and newborn with an increased risk of vertical transmission, preterm and stillbirth, neonatal jaundice and miscarriage. Hepatitis E is associated with extrahepatic manifestations that include neurological disorders such as neuralgic amyotrophy, Guillain-Barré syndrome and encephalitis, renal injury and haematological disorders. The risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV is increasingly recognized in Western countries where the risk may be because of a zoonosis. RNA testing of blood components is essential to determine the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV. There are currently no approved drugs or vaccines for HEV infections. This review focuses on updating the latest developments in zoonoses, screening and diagnostics, drugs in use and under development, and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Srinivas R Pallerla
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mathias Schemmerer
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen J Wenzel
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Labor Berlin-Charité-Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Partner Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Claus-Thomas Bock
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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28
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Nicolini LAP, Stoney RJ, Della Vecchia A, Grobusch M, Gautret P, Angelo KM, van Genderen PJJ, Bottieau E, Leder K, Asgeirsson H, Leung DT, Connor B, Pandey P, Toscanini F, Gobbi F, Castelli F, Bassetti M, Hamer DH. Travel-related hepatitis E: a two-decade GeoSentinel analysis. J Travel Med 2020; 27:5891692. [PMID: 32789467 PMCID: PMC9494553 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is widely distributed worldwide and is endemic in developing countries. Travel-related HEV infection has been reported at national levels, but global data are missing. Moreover, the global availability of HEV diagnostic testing has not been explored so far. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of HEV infections in returning travellers and availability of HEV diagnostic testing in the GeoSentinel surveillance network. METHODS This was a multicentre retrospective cross-sectional study. All confirmed and probable HEV travel-related infections reported in the GeoSentinel Network between 1999 and 2018 were evaluated. GeoSentinel sites were asked to complete a survey in 2018 to assess the availability and accessibility of HEV diagnostic procedures (i.e. serology and molecular tests) throughout the study period. RESULTS Overall, 165 travel-related HEV infections were reported, mainly since 2010 (60%) and in tourists (50%). Travellers were exposed to hepatitis E in 27 countries; most travellers (62%) were exposed to HEV in South Asia. One patient was pregnant at the time of HEV infection and 14 had a concomitant gastrointestinal infection. No deaths were reported. In the 51% of patients with information available, there was no pre-travel consultation. Among 44 GeoSentinel sites that responded to the survey, 73% have access to HEV serology at a local level, while 55% could perform (at a local or central level) molecular diagnostics. CONCLUSION Reported access to HEV diagnostic testing is suboptimal among sites that responded to the survey; this could negatively affect diagnosing HEV. Pre-travel consultations before travel to South Asia and other low-income and high-prevalence areas with a focus on food and water precautions could be helpful in preventing hepatitis E infection. Improved HEV diagnostic capacity should be implemented to prevent and correctly diagnose travel-related HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rhett J Stoney
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Andrea Della Vecchia
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,Internal Medicine Unit, Hôpitaux Iris Sud, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Martin Grobusch
- Tropical Medicine at the Amsterdam Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kristina M Angelo
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Leder
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hilmir Asgeirsson
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel T Leung
- International Travel Clinic, University of Utah Hospital and Clinics, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bradley Connor
- The New York Center for Travel and Tropical Medicine, New York City, USA
| | - Prativa Pandey
- The CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center, Lainchaur, KTM, Nepal
| | - Federica Toscanini
- Infectious Diseases, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IRCCS, Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Department of Infectious-Tropical Diseases and Microbiology (DITM), IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Clinica di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Infectious Diseases, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino-IRCCS, Genova, Italy.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has gained increased global recognition in recent years, particularly in developed countries. We summarized here a selection of the literature published since the 1st of June, 2017. RECENT FINDINGS Longitudinal studies are increasingly conducted in Europe, to determine trends in HEV prevalence. The spectrum of mammals infected with HEV and potentially capable to transmit it to humans has widened. New virological data on HEV repCon and pathogenicity have been reported and clinical features of HEV infections have been precised or newly described. Finally, there are some new data on the therapeutic management of HEV infections in various clinical settings. SUMMARY HEV emergence in developed countries appears to be based on improved diagnosis tools and increased awareness of clinicians that HEV transmission is essentially autochthonous and is a possible cause of life-threatening acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and extra-hepatic symptoms. In addition, the distribution of HEV strains evolves. Ribavirin remains to date the only specific treatment recommended for HEV infection, being efficient in the majority but not in all cases.
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30
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Maponga TG, Lopes T, Cable R, Pistorius C, Preiser W, Andersson MI. Prevalence and risks of hepatitis E virus infection in blood donors from the Western Cape, South Africa. Vox Sang 2020; 115:695-702. [PMID: 32597542 DOI: 10.1111/vox.12966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a potential risk to recipients of blood transfusions. Infection with HEV poses a high risk to immunocompromised recipients with an increased likelihood of developing chronic infection. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of past and active HEV infections in donors from the Western Cape and to identify the risk factors associated with infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively tested 10 250 blood donors for HEV infection. A risk factor sub-study investigated 250 donors who completed a questionnaire, and plasma samples were tested for HEV IgG antibodies and pooled for HEV RNA detection. The demographic and risk factors associated with HEV infection were assessed. The molecular study tested 10 000 individual donations using a commercial assay to detect viraemia. HEV viral load and genotype were also determined. RESULTS The overall anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was 42·8% (107/250) among donors participating in the risk factor sub-study. The likelihood of past HEV infection was higher with an increase in age. Of the 10 000 donor samples individually tested for HEV RNA, one sample was positive with a viral load of 7·9 x 104 IU/ml and belonged to HEV genotype 3. CONCLUSION We found a high seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG but a low HEV RNA prevalence among donors in the Western Cape, South Africa. The study provides evidence for a potential risk of HEV contamination in the blood supply in South Africa. A cost-benefit analysis is needed before considering the introduction of routine donor screening in our setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongai G Maponga
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tatum Lopes
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa.,Tygerberg Business Unit, National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Monique I Andersson
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa.,Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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31
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Clinical significance of post-liver transplant hepatitis E seropositivity in high prevalence area of hepatitis E genotype 3: a prospective study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7352. [PMID: 32355268 PMCID: PMC7192897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64551-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
High hepatitis E (HEV) seroprevalence has been reported in the general population and in post-liver transplant (LT) cases in several regions, including Thailand, with genotype 3 being a predominant genotype. We hypothesized that HEV might persist at a subclinical level and might pose clinical risks in the post-LT period. We performed a cross-sectional study with 108 post-LT patients and found an IgG seroprevalence of 55.6%. Subsequently, 91 cases without clinical evidence of HEV-related hepatitis were enrolled in 1 year of prospective follow-up to determine clinical status, serologies and serum/feces HEV RNA every 4 months. HEV RNA was detected, indicating subclinical infections in patients with or without seropositivity, with an annual incidence of 7.7%. Our results suggest that subclinical HEV infection exists among LT patients in this high-prevalence area. Thus, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of disease reemergence and HEV viral transmission in LT patients.
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32
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Liver Transudate, a Potential Alternative to Detect Anti-Hepatitis E Virus Antibodies in Pigs and Wild Boars ( Sus scrofa). Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8030450. [PMID: 32210090 PMCID: PMC7144013 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8030450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cases of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection have increased in Europe in association with the consumption of contaminated food, mainly from pork products but also from wild boars. The animal’s serum is usually tested for the presence of anti-HEV antibodies and viral RNA but, in many cases such as during hunting, an adequate serum sample cannot be obtained. In the present study, liver transudate was evaluated as an alternative matrix to serum for HEV detection. A total of 125 sera and liver transudates were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at different dilutions (1:2, 1:10, 1:20), while 58 samples of serum and liver transudate were checked for the presence of HEV RNA by RT-qPCR. Anti- HEV antibodies were detected by ELISA in 68.0% of the serum samples, and in 61.6% of the undiluted transudate, and in 70.4%, 56.8%, and 44.8% of 1:2, 1:10, or 1:20 diluted transudate, respectively. The best results were obtained for the liver transudate at 1:10 dilution, based on the Kappa statistic (0.630) and intraclass correlation coefficient (0.841). HEV RNA was detected by RT-qPCR in 22.4% of the serum samples and 6.9% of the transudate samples, all samples used for RT-qPCR were positive by ELISA. Our results indicate that liver transudate may be an alternative matrix to serum for the detection of anti-HEV antibodies.
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Hepatitis E Virus Infection in an Italian Cohort of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients: Seroprevalence and Infection. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2020; 26:1355-1362. [PMID: 32200124 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients is an emerging threat. The aim of this study was to provide data on the HEV burden in an Italian cohort of HSCT recipients and analyze risk factors for HEV seropositivity. This retrospective study reports data from 596 HSCT recipients compiled between 2010 and 2019. It included patients who underwent transplantation between 2010 and 2015 for whom pretransplantation (n = 419) and post-transplantation (n = 161) serum samples were available and tested retrospectively, as well as patients in whom prospective HEV testing was performed during the standard care: pre-HSCT IgG screening in 144, pre-HSCT HEV-RNA screening in addition to IgG screening in 60, and HEV-RNA testing in case of clinical suspicion of HEV infection in 59 (26 of whom were also included in the IgG screening cohorts). The rate of pre-HSCT HEV-IgG positivity was 6.0% (34 of 563). Older age was an independent risk factor for seropositivity (P = .039). None of the 34 HEV-IgG-positive patients had detectable HEV-RNA. One case of transient HEV-RNA positivity pre-HSCT was identified through screening. Two patients were diagnosed with chronic HEV hepatitis, and 1 patient was successfully treated with ribavirin. The burden of HEV infection in HSCT recipients in Italy is limited, and pre-HSCT screening appears to be of no benefit. Timely diagnosis of HEV infection with HEV-RNA is mandatory in cases of clinical suspicion.
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34
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De Sabato L, Di Bartolo I, Lapa D, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR. Molecular Characterization of HEV Genotype 3 in Italy at Human/Animal Interface. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:137. [PMID: 32117156 PMCID: PMC7014918 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging public health issue in industrialized countries. In the last decade the number of autochthonous human infections has increased in Europe. Genotype 3 (HEV-3) is typically zoonotic, being foodborne the main route of transmission to humans, and is the most frequently detected in Europe in both humans and animals (mainly pigs and wild boars). In Italy, the first autochthonous human case was reported in 1999; since then, HEV-3 has been widely detected in both humans and animals. Despite the zoonotic characteristic of HEV-3 is well established, the correlation between animal and human strains has been poorly investigated in Italy. In the present study, we compared the subtype distribution of HEV-3 in humans and animals (swine and wild boar) in the period 2000-2018 from Italy. The dataset for this analysis included a total of 96 Italian ORF2 sequences (300 nt long), including both NCBI database-derived (n = 64) and recent sequences (2016-2018, n = 32) obtained in this study. The results show that subtype 3f is the most frequent in humans and pigs, followed by the HEV-3e, HEV-3c and other unassignable HEV-3 strains. Diversely, in wild boar a wider group of HEV-3 subtypes have been detected, including HEV-3a, which has also been detected for the first time in a human patient in Central Italy in 2017, and a wide group of unassignable HEV-3 strains. The phylogenetic analysis including, besides Italian strains, also sequences from other countries retrieved from the NCBI database, indicated that human Italian sequences, in particular those of HEV-3f and HEV-3e, form significant clusters mainly with sequences of animal origin from the same country. Nevertheless, for HEV-3c, rarely detected in Italian pigs, human sequences from Italy are more correlated to human sequences from other European countries. Furthermore, clusters of near-identical human strains identified in a short time interval in Lazio Region (Central Italy) can be recognized in the phylogenetic tree, suggesting that multiple infections originating from a common source have occurred, and confirming the importance of sequencing support to HEV surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, “L. Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, “L. Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, “L. Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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35
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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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Arce LP, Müller MF, Martinez A, Baiker A, Marranzino G, Agote F, Vizoso-Pinto MG. A Novel In-House Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Genotype 3 Hepatitis E Virus Reveals High Seroprevalence in Blood Donors in Northern Argentina. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2481. [PMID: 31736916 PMCID: PMC6838658 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emergent virus that causes acute hepatitis in immunocompetent hosts and chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised hosts. In Latin America, the main circulating genotype HEV-3 is usually of zoonotic origin. Diagnosis and seroprevalence studies mainly rely on the detection of specific antibodies. There are scarce data on the seroprevalence of HEV infection in Latin America mainly due to the lack of awareness of HEV circulation. Furthermore, in some countries, like Argentina, HEV testing is not included in routine assays. In order to provide tools to deepen the knowledge on HEV epidemiology in South America, we designed a new in-house ELISA based on the native recombinant protein ORF2 aa112–608 and demonstrated its potential for detecting anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) in human serum samples. The following conditions were determined: an optimal antigen concentration of 0.25 μg/ml, a serum dilution of 1:80, gelatin as a blocking agent, and a secondary antibody dilution of 1:2000. A relative sensitivity of 93.33% (95% CI: 77.9–99.2%) and a relative specificity of 99.4% (95% CI: 96.7–100%) were determined using a panel of previously characterized sera and a gold standard (HEV IgG ELISA, DIA.PRO, Italy). Further, we obtained a very good agreement (κ index = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.87–1.00) with the gold standard. We screened 813 blood donor samples with this newly developed ELISA and found a seroprevalence of 9.23% (95% confidence interval, 7.33–11.43%). We show for the first time evidence of past HEV infection in Tucuman, the most populated city in northern Argentina. We expect that this study will raise the interest of health decision makers who should intercede to include indirect testing of HEV in regular diagnostic protocols. In conclusion, the in-house ELISA developed in this work shows a very good agreement with an already licensed commercial HEV IgG ELISA (DIA.PRO, ITALY), which can be used as an epidemiologic tool for HEV surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Paola Arce
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada (IMMCA), SIPROSA, CONICET, UNT, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Ciencias Básicas and Or. Genética, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Melisa Florencia Müller
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada (IMMCA), SIPROSA, CONICET, UNT, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Ciencias Básicas and Or. Genética, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Martinez
- Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Armin Baiker
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Gabriela Marranzino
- Banco Central de Sangre de Tucumán "Dr. César Guerra," PRIS-Si.PRO.SA, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Felicitas Agote
- Banco Central de Sangre de Tucumán "Dr. César Guerra," PRIS-Si.PRO.SA, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Maria Guadalupe Vizoso-Pinto
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Molecular y Celular Aplicada (IMMCA), SIPROSA, CONICET, UNT, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Ciencias Básicas and Or. Genética, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
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The best blood product and its best use for each patient: An evolving role for hemovigilance? Transfus Clin Biol 2019; 26:188-191. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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