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Orosz L, Sárvári KP, Dernovics Á, Rosztóczy A, Megyeri K. Pathogenesis and clinical features of severe hepatitis E virus infection. World J Virol 2024; 13:91580. [DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i2.91580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV), a member of the Hepeviridae family, is a small, non-enveloped icosahedral virus divided into eight distinct genotypes (HEV-1 to HEV-8). Only genotypes 1 to 4 are known to cause diseases in humans. Genotypes 1 and 2 commonly spread via fecal-oral transmission, often through the consumption of contaminated water. Genotypes 3 and 4 are known to infect pigs, deer, and wild boars, often transferring to humans through inadequately cooked meat. Acute hepatitis caused by HEV in healthy individuals is mostly asymptomatic or associated with minor symptoms, such as jaundice. However, in immunosuppressed individuals, the disease can progress to chronic hepatitis and even escalate to cirrhosis. For pregnant women, an HEV infection can cause fulminant liver failure, with a potential mortality rate of 25%. Mortality rates also rise amongst cirrhotic patients when they contract an acute HEV infection, which can even trigger acute-on-chronic liver failure if layered onto pre-existing chronic liver disease. As the prevalence of HEV infection continues to rise worldwide, highlighting the particular risks associated with severe HEV infection is of major medical interest. This text offers a brief summary of the characteristics of hepatitis developed by patient groups at an elevated risk of severe HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Orosz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged 6720, Csongrád-Csanád, Hungary
| | - Károly Péter Sárvári
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged 6720, Csongrád-Csanád, Hungary
| | - Áron Dernovics
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged 6720, Csongrád-Csanád, Hungary
| | - András Rosztóczy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Szeged, Szeged 6725, Csongrád-Csanád, Hungary
| | - Klára Megyeri
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged 6720, Csongrád-Csanád, Hungary
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Kanda T, Li TC, Takahashi M, Nagashima S, Primadharsini PP, Kunita S, Sasaki-Tanaka R, Inoue J, Tsuchiya A, Nakamoto S, Abe R, Fujiwara K, Yokosuka O, Suzuki R, Ishii K, Yotsuyanagi H, Okamoto H. Recent advances in hepatitis E virus research and the Japanese clinical practice guidelines for hepatitis E virus infection. Hepatol Res 2024. [PMID: 38874115 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Acute hepatitis E was considered rare until reports emerged affirming the existence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 infections in Japan in the early 2000s. Extensive studies by Japanese researchers have highlighted the pivotal role of pigs and wild animals, such as wild boars and deer, as reservoirs for HEV, linking them to zoonotic infections in Japan. Currently, when hepatitis occurs subsequent to the consumption of undercooked or grilled pork, wild boar meat, or offal (including pig liver and intestines), HEV infection should be considered. Following the approval of anti-HEV immunoglobulin A antibody as a diagnostic tool for hepatitis E by Japan's Health Insurance System in 2011, the annual number of diagnosed cases of HEV infection has surged. Notably, the occurrence of post-transfusion hepatitis E promoted nationwide screening of blood products for HEV using nucleic acid amplification tests since 2020. Furthermore, chronic hepatitis E has been observed in immunosuppressed individuals. Considering the significance of hepatitis E, heightened preventive measures are essential. The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development Hepatitis A and E viruses (HAV and HEV) Study Group, which includes special virologists and hepatologists, held a virtual meeting on February 17, 2024. Discussions encompassed pathogenesis, transmission routes, diagnosis, complications, severity factors, and ongoing and prospective vaccination or treatments for hepatitis E. Rigorous assessment of referenced studies culminated in the formulation of recommendations, which are detailed within this review. This comprehensive review presents recent advancements in HEV research and Japanese clinical practice guidelines for HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuo Kanda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Uonuma Institute of Community Medicine, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Minamiuonuma, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tian-Cheng Li
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaharu Takahashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Shigeo Nagashima
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Putu Prathiwi Primadharsini
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kunita
- Center for Experimental Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Reina Sasaki-Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsunori Tsuchiya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryuzo Abe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Keiichi Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Suzuki
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Ishii
- Department of Quality Assurance and Radiological Protection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Applied Immunology, Hospital of the Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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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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Niederhauser C, Gowland P, Widmer N, Amar EL Dusouqui S, Mattle-Greminger M, Gottschalk J, Frey BM. Prevalence of Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Swiss Blood Donors 2018-2020. Viruses 2024; 16:744. [PMID: 38793625 PMCID: PMC11125967 DOI: 10.3390/v16050744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis in several European countries. It is acquired mainly by ingesting contaminated pork, but has also been reported to be transmitted through blood transfusion. Although most HEV infections, including those via blood products, are usually self-limiting, they may become chronic in immunocompromised persons. It is thus essential to identify HEV-infected blood donations to prevent transmission to vulnerable recipients. AIMS Prior to the decision whether to introduce HEV RNA screening for all Swiss blood donations, a 2-year nationwide prevalence study was conducted. METHODS All blood donations were screened in pools of 12-24 samples at five regional blood donation services, and HEV RNA-positive pools were subsequently resolved to the individual donation index donation (X). The viral load, HEV IgG and IgM serology, and HEV genotype were determined. Follow-up investigations were conducted on future control donations (X + 1) and previous archived donations of the donor (X - 1) where available. RESULTS Between October 2018 and September 2020, 541,349 blood donations were screened and 125 confirmed positive donations were identified (prevalence 1:4331 donations). At the time of blood donation, the HEV RNA-positive individuals were symptom-free. The median viral load was 554 IU/mL (range: 2.01-2,500,000 IU/mL). Men (88; 70%) were more frequently infected than women (37; 30%), as compared with the sex distribution in the Swiss donor population (57% male/43% female, p < 0.01). Of the 106 genotyped cases (85%), all belonged to genotype 3. Two HEV sub-genotypes predominated; 3h3 (formerly 3s) and 3c. The remaining sub-genotypes are all known to circulate in Europe. Five 3ra genotypes were identified, this being a variant associated with rabbits. In total, 85 (68%) X donations were negative for HEV IgM and IgG. The remaining 40 (32%) were positive for HEV IgG and/or IgM, and consistent with an active infection. We found no markers of previous HEV in 87 of the 89 available and analyzed archive samples (X - 1). Two donors were HEV IgG-positive in the X - 1 donation suggesting insufficient immunity to prevent HEV reinfection. Time of collection of the 90 (72%) analyzed X + 1 donations varied between 2.9 and 101.9 weeks (median of 35 weeks) after X donation. As expected, none of those tested were positive for HEV RNA. Most donors (89; 99%) were positive for anti-HEV lgG/lgM (i.e., seroconversion). HEV lgM-positivity (23; 26%) indicates an often-long persistence of lgM antibodies post-HEV infection. CONCLUSION The data collected during the first year of the study provided the basis for the decision to establish mandatory HEV RNA universal screening of all Swiss blood donations in minipools, a vital step in providing safer blood for all recipients, especially those who are immunosuppressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Niederhauser
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland; (P.G.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease, University of Berne, 3008 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Gowland
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland; (P.G.)
| | - Nadja Widmer
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland; (P.G.)
| | | | - Maja Mattle-Greminger
- Regional Blood Transfusion SRC, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.M.-G.); (J.G.); (B.M.F.)
| | - Jochen Gottschalk
- Regional Blood Transfusion SRC, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.M.-G.); (J.G.); (B.M.F.)
| | - Beat M. Frey
- Regional Blood Transfusion SRC, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland; (M.M.-G.); (J.G.); (B.M.F.)
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Yadav KK, Boley PA, Laocharoensuk T, Khatiwada S, Lee CM, Bhandari M, Moore L, Hanson J, Kenney SP. Infectious hepatitis E virus is associated with the mature sperm head. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012240. [PMID: 38768240 PMCID: PMC11142709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. HEV associated pregnancy mortality has been reported as up to 30% in humans. Recent findings suggest HEV may elicit effects directly in the reproductive system with HEV protein found in the testis, viral RNA in semen, and viral replication occurring in placental cell types. Using a natural host model for HEV infection, pigs, we demonstrate infectious HEV within the mature spermatozoa and altered sperm viability from HEV infected pigs. HEV isolated from sperm remained infectious suggesting a potential transmission route via sexual partners. Our findings suggest that HEV should be explored as a possible sexually transmittable disease. Our findings propose that infection routes outside of oral and intravenous infection need to be considered for their potential to contribute to higher mortality in HEV infections when pregnancy is involved and in HEV disease in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kush K. Yadav
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Patricia A. Boley
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Thamonpan Laocharoensuk
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Saroj Khatiwada
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Carolyn M. Lee
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Menuka Bhandari
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Lindsey Moore
- The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Juliette Hanson
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
- Plant and Animal Agrosecurity Research Facility, Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Scott P. Kenney
- Center for Food Animal Health, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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Klöhn M, Mohanasundaram S, Steinmann E. Be Aware of the Dog: Tacrolimus Usage and Chronic Hepatitis E Virus Infections. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:1160-1162. [PMID: 38707829 PMCID: PMC11069006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.02.1432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany
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Suluku R, Jabaty J, Fischer K, Diederich S, Groschup MH, Eiden M. Hepatitis E Seroprevalence and Detection of Genotype 3 Strains in Domestic Pigs from Sierra Leone Collected in 2016 and 2017. Viruses 2024; 16:558. [PMID: 38675900 PMCID: PMC11054517 DOI: 10.3390/v16040558] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main cause of acute hepatitis in humans worldwide and is responsible for a large number of outbreaks especially in Africa. Human infections are mainly caused by genotypes 1 and 2 of the genus Paslahepevirus, which are exclusively associated with humans. In contrast, viruses of genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic and have their main reservoir in domestic and wild pigs, from which they can be transmitted to humans primarily through the consumption of meat products. Both genotypes 3 and 4 are widespread in Europe, Asia, and North America and lead to sporadic cases of hepatitis E. However, there is little information available on the prevalence of these genotypes and possible transmission routes from animal reservoirs to humans in African countries. We therefore analysed 1086 pig sera collected in 2016/2017 in four districts in Sierra Leone for antibodies against HEV using a newly designed in-house ELISA. In addition, the samples were also analysed for HEV RNA by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The overall seroprevalence in Sierra Leone was low with only 44 positive sera and a prevalence of 4.0%. Two serum pools were RT-PCR-positive and recovered partial sequences clustered into the genotype 3 (HEV-3) of the order Paslahepevirus, species Paslahepevirus balayani. The results are the first evidence of HEV-3 infection in pigs from Sierra Leone and demonstrate a low circulation of the virus in these animals to date. Further studies should include an examination of humans, especially those with close contact with pigs and porcine products, as well as environmental sampling to evaluate public health effects within the framework of a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Suluku
- Animal Science, Serology and Molecular Laboratory, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone;
| | - Juliet Jabaty
- Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute, Teko Livestock Research Centre, Teko, Sierra Leone;
| | - Kerstin Fischer
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases (INNT), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (K.F.); (S.D.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Sandra Diederich
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases (INNT), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (K.F.); (S.D.); (M.H.G.)
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases (INNT), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (K.F.); (S.D.); (M.H.G.)
- Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases (INNT), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (K.F.); (S.D.); (M.H.G.)
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Schäfer G, Lübke R, Degen O, Mader M, Scheiter R, Wolski A, Addo MM, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Pischke S. Lack of evidence of acute HEV infections as a sexually transmitted disease: Data from a German cohort of PrEP users. Braz J Infect Dis 2024; 28:103720. [PMID: 38365184 PMCID: PMC10885309 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2024.103720] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the sexual transmissibility of HAV in MSM has been extensively described, the potential for sexual transmission of HEV has not been definitively established. Although HEV has been detected in the ejaculate of chronically infected men, studies among MSM PrEP users in France did not observe an elevated anti-HEV seroprevalence as an indicator of increased exposure risk by sexual intercourse. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 111 unselected PrEP users and 111 age- and sex-matched blood donors were tested for anti-HEV IgG, IgM and HEV (PCR). Of the participants 79/111 (71 %) responded to a questionnaire covering topics as sexual preferences, previous sexually transmitted diseases, profession, food consumption, and pet ownership. RESULTS The anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in PrEP users (22 %) did not differ significantly from the rate in controls (17 %). While one PrEP user and three controls tested positive for anti-HEV IgM, all PrEP users and controls tested PCR negative. CONCLUSION In immunocompetent individuals with frequent changes of sexual partners, the epidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus does not significantly involve the sexual transmission route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Schäfer
- ICH Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Ambulanzentrum des UKE, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rabea Lübke
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Degen
- Ambulanzentrum des UKE, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria Mader
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robin Scheiter
- Ambulanzentrum des UKE, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Wolski
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marylyn M Addo
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner sites, Hamburg, Germany.
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Iqbal H, Mehmood BF, Sohal A, Roytman M. Hepatitis E infection: A review. World J Virol 2023; 12:262-271. [PMID: 38187497 PMCID: PMC10768387 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v12.i5.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a small non-enveloped virus that is transmitted via the fecal-oral route. It is a highly common cause of acute hepatitis, particularly in low to middle income regions of Asia, Africa, and Central America. Most cases are self-limited, and symptomatic patients usually present with acute icteric hepatitis. A subset of patients including pregnant women, older men, those with pre-existing liver disease and immunocompromised patients however, may develop severe disease and hepatic failure. Immunocompromised patients are also at risk for chronic infection, and their immunosuppression should be decreased in order to facilitate viral clearance. HEV can also present with a variety of extra-intestinal manifestations including neurological, renal, hematological, and pancreatic derangements. The gold standard of diagnosis is HEV ribonucleic acid detection via nucleic acid amplification testing. Currently, there are no approved treatments for Hepatitis E, though ribavirin is the most commonly used agent to reduce viral load. Studies assessing the safety and efficacy of other antiviral agents for HEV are currently underway. HEV vaccination has been approved in China, and is currently being investigated in other regions as well. This review article aims to discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation, diagnosis, complications, and treatment of Hepatitis E infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humzah Iqbal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Fresno, CA 93701, United States
| | - Bilal Fazal Mehmood
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Fresno, CA 93701, United States
| | - Aalam Sohal
- Department of Hepatology, Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
| | - Marina Roytman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California San Francisco, Fresno, CA 93701, United States
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Dong R, Chang D, Luo Z, Zhang M, Guan Q, Shen C, Chen Y, Huang P, Wang J. The burden of HEV-related acute liver failure in Bangladesh, China and India: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2369. [PMID: 38031080 PMCID: PMC10688087 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17302-2] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E can potentially progress to HEV-related acute liver failure (HEV-ALF). East and South Asia bear a substantial burden of HEV infection, with Bangladesh, China, and India facing the most severe threat in this region. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the burden of HEV-ALF in these three high-risk countries. METHODS A systematic literature search was performed utilizing PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Studies in English or Chinese that reported data on the burden of HEV-ALF in Bangladesh, China and India were included. Outcomes were pooled with meta-analysis utilizing R software. Estimates were calculated with random-effects models, and subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted to address heterogeneity. Egger's test and Begg's test were performed to assess publication bias. RESULTS A total of 20 eligible studies were included in this study. The pooled HEV-attributable proportion of viral-related acute liver failure was estimated to be 40.0% (95% CI: 0.28-0.52), 30.0% (95% CI: 0.18-0.44), and 61.0% (95% CI: 0.49-0.72) among non-pregnant individuals in India, China and Bangladesh, while in Indian pregnant females, it was 71.0% (95% CI: 0.62-0.79). The combined prevalence among non-pregnant HEV-infected participants was 28.0% (95% CI: 0.20-0.37) and 10.0% (95% CI: 0.01-0.28) in India and China, and it was 34.0% (95% CI: 0.27-0.42) in Indian pregnant females with HEV infection. The overall mortality of HEV-ALF was estimated to be 32.0% (95% CI: 0.23-0.42) and 64.0% (95% CI: 0.50-0.77) among the non-pregnant and the pregnant participants in India, and it was 23.0% (95% CI: 0.14-0.34) in Chinese non-pregnant participants. CONCLUSIONS The burden of HEV-ALF in Bangladesh, China, and India is non-negligible despite geographic and population heterogeneity. The prevention of HEV infection and early recognition of HEV-ALF are of great significance, especially in high-risk countries and populations. REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration ID is CRD42022382101.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Dong
- Department of Fundamental and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongchun Chang
- Department of Fundamental and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenghan Luo
- East China Institute of Biomedical Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengting Zhang
- Department of Fundamental and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Guan
- Department of Fundamental and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Shen
- Nanjing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Fundamental and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Fundamental and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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11
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Pischke S, Knoop EV, Mader M, Kling L, Wolski A, Wagner A, Mueller K, Horvatits T, Stiller J, Wisnewski K, Kohn B, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Groschup MH, Eiden M. Anti-HEV seroprevalence and rate of viremia in a German cohort of dogs, cats, and horses. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19240. [PMID: 37935733 PMCID: PMC10630430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46009-y] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infections in Germany are mainly transmitted zoonotically through the consumption of swine meat. Furthermore, there is evidence that pets might come into contact with HEV, but the relevance of companion animals as possible sources of HEV transmission in Germany still needs to be defined. A monitoring study was therefore carried out on dogs, cats, and horses from Germany. In total 365 serum samples from pets (124 dogs, 119 cats, and 122 horses) were tested for HEV by PCR and for anti-HEV antibodies by a commercial ELISA. The HEV seroprevalence determined by the sero-assay varied significantly between dogs (10%), cats (6%), and horses (2%). Liver injury-related enzymes, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no differences between HEV-positive or negative animals. None of the pet serum samples tested positive for PCR. This serological study suggests that dogs and cats are significantly exposed to HEV in Germany, while horses are of minor relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pischke
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner Sites, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | - M Mader
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - L Kling
- SYNLAB.Vet GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Wolski
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Wagner
- Vetambulanz Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - K Mueller
- Small Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - T Horvatits
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J Stiller
- Small Animal Clinic, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - K Wisnewski
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - B Kohn
- Small Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Schulze Zur Wiesch
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner Sites, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M H Groschup
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner Sites, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - M Eiden
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel and Heidelberg Partner Sites, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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12
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Takanohashi S, Sugiura T, Koyano A, Ueno T, Rachi H, Shiratori K, Shimasaki M, Igarashi H, Kitayama Y, Togawa A. Complete remission of primary membranous nephropathy following hepatitis E infection. CEN Case Rep 2023; 12:384-389. [PMID: 36864232 PMCID: PMC10620352 DOI: 10.1007/s13730-023-00780-z] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) is a major cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Studies have shown that one-third of PMN cases undergo spontaneous remission, among which are some cases of infection-related complete remission. Herein, we report the case of a 57-year-old man who achieved complete remission of PMN shortly after the onset of acute hepatitis E infection. At the age of 55 years, the patient developed a nephrotic syndrome, and renal biopsy revealed membranous nephropathy, Ehrenreich-Churg stage 1. Treatment with prednisolone (PSL) reduced urinary protein from 7.8 g/gCre to approximately 1 g/gCre but did not lead to complete remission. However, 7 months after starting treatment, he developed an acute hepatitis E infection after consuming wild boar meat. Immediately after the onset of acute hepatitis E, the patient's urinary protein levels decreased to < 0.3 g/gCre. The PSL dose was subsequently reduced and discontinued after 2 years and 8 months, and complete remission was maintained thereafter. We considered that an increase in the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) caused by acute hepatitis E infection was associated with PMN remission in this patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiko Takanohashi
- Department of Nephrology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Takuya Sugiura
- Department of Nephrology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Akane Koyano
- Department of Nephrology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ueno
- Department of Nephrology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hiromu Rachi
- Department of Nephrology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Kimitoshi Shiratori
- Department of Nephrology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Megumi Shimasaki
- Department of Nephrology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Hisaki Igarashi
- Department of Pathology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kitayama
- Department of Pathology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan
| | - Akashi Togawa
- Department of Nephrology, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, 1-1-1 Oshika, Suruga-Ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan.
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13
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Fontana S, Ripellino P, Niederhauser C, Widmer N, Gowland P, Petrini O, Aprile M, Merlani G, Bihl F. Epidemiology of HEV Infection in Blood Donors in Southern Switzerland. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2375. [PMID: 37894033 PMCID: PMC10609445 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
From 2014 to 2016, the number of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in southern Switzerland increased dramatically and suggested food as a potential infection reservoir. We evaluated the effects of food control measures introduced to limit HEV infections, assessing anti-HEV IgG and IgM rates in blood donors before and after the implementation of food control measures in 2017. From 2012 to 2013, we screened 1283, and from 2017 to 2019, we screened 1447 donors for IgG and IgM antibodies. No statistically significant differences were detected for IgG (32.8% from 2012 to 2013 vs. 31.1% from 2017 to 2019, p = 0.337) or IgM rates (2.0% from 2012 to 2013 vs. 2.8% from 2017 to 2019, p = 0.21). Rural provenience and age > 66 are predictors for positive IgG serology. A total of 5.9% of 303 donors included in both groups lost IgG positivity. We also determined nucleic acid testing (NAT) rates after the introduction of this test in 2018, comparing 49,345 donation results from southern Switzerland with those of 625,559 Swiss donor controls, and only 9 NAT-positive donors were found from 2018 to 2023. The high HEV seroprevalence in southern Switzerland may depend on different food supply chains in rural and urban areas. Local preventive measures probably have a limited impact on blood HEV risk; thus, continuous NAT testing is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Fontana
- Servizio Trasfusionale CRS della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
- Blood Transfusion Unit, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Ripellino
- Department of Neurology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland EOC, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Niederhauser
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland (N.W.); (P.G.)
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Berne, 3008 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Nadja Widmer
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland (N.W.); (P.G.)
| | - Peter Gowland
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, 3008 Berne, Switzerland (N.W.); (P.G.)
| | - Orlando Petrini
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland;
| | - Manuela Aprile
- Servizio Trasfusionale CRS della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
| | - Giorgio Merlani
- Chief Medical Officer Office, Division of Public Health, Department for Health and Social Affairs, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland;
| | - Florian Bihl
- Epatocentro Ticino, Via Soldino 5, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Geneva, 1200 Geneva, Switzerland
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14
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Viera-Segura O, Calderón-Flores A, Batún-Alfaro JA, Fierro NA. Tracing the History of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Mexico: From the Enigmatic Genotype 2 to the Current Disease Situation. Viruses 2023; 15:1911. [PMID: 37766316 PMCID: PMC10536485 DOI: 10.3390/v15091911] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. This virus is responsible for waterborne outbreaks in low-income countries and zoonosis transmission in industrialized regions. Initially, considered self-limiting, HEV may also lead to chronic disease, and evidence supports that infection can be considered a systemic disease. In the late 1980s, Mexico became a hot spot in the study of HEV due to one of the first virus outbreaks in Latin America related to enterically transmitted viral non-A, non-B hepatitis. Viral stool particles recovered from Mexican viral hepatitis outbreaks represented the first identification of HEV genotype (Gt) 2 (Gt2) in the world. No new findings of HEV-Gt2 have been reported in the country, whereas this genotype has been found in countries on the African continent. Recent investigations in Mexico have identified other strains (HEV-Gt1 and -Gt3) and a high frequency of anti-HEV antibodies in animal and human populations. Herein, the potential reasons for the disappearance of HEV-Gt2 in Mexico and the advances in the study of HEV in the country are discussed along with challenges in studying this neglected pathogen. These pieces of information are expected to contribute to disease control in the entire Latin American region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Viera-Segura
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Arturo Calderón-Flores
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Julio A. Batún-Alfaro
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Nora A. Fierro
- Departamento de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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15
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Boukhrissa H, Mechakra S, Mahnane A, Lacheheb A. Viral hepatitis E, zoonotic transmission in Algeria. Virusdisease 2023; 34:389-394. [PMID: 37780902 PMCID: PMC10533760 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-023-00840-z] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis E, a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in adults, is a global public health problem. The zoonotic potential of the virus is currently accepted in developed countries. In developing countries, where transmission is mainly enteric, data on the animal reservoir are very limited. Our objective was to identify a possible risk of zoonotic transmission in our region (eastern Algeria). Four hundred and thirty four sera from blood donors were analysed by an-ti-HEV IgG antibodies detection using a commercial ELISA kit. Study participants were asked about demographics, contact with farm animals, pets, rats, and with live or shot game during a hunting activity. The anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was 17.05%. Two risk factors were identified; rat contact with a seroprevalence rate at 51.2% (p < 1p.1000), OR = 6.736 [95% CI 3, 42-13.26] and game contact with a seroprevalence at 33% (p = 0.003), OR = 2.76 [95% CI 1.37-5.56]. In summary, zoonotic transmission is possible in our region. Rats and game should be investigated for a probable animal reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Boukhrissa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Ferhat Abbas Setif 1, Sétif, Algeria
| | - Salah Mechakra
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Ferhat Abbas Setif 1, Sétif, Algeria
| | - Abbes Mahnane
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Ferhat Abbas Setif 1, Sétif, Algeria
| | - Abdelmadjid Lacheheb
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University Ferhat Abbas Setif 1, Sétif, Algeria
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16
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Ojea AM, Seco C, Mata P, Muñoz MDC, Álvarez Argüelles ME, Rodríguez-Frías F, Quer Sivila J, Rando Segura A, García-Gala JM, Rodriguez M. Transfusion-transmission of hepatitis E virus through red blood cell transfusion but not through platelet concentrates: A case report from Spain. Transfusion 2023; 63:1767-1772. [PMID: 37593971 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17498] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few cases of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been published in Spain. Here, we describe a well-characterized lookback investigation of a transfusion-transmitted HEV case at the Community Centre for Blood and Tissues of Asturias (Spain). CASE REPORT A female patient with chronic myeloid leukemia underwent an allogeneic bone marrow transplant in March 2019 and showed alterations in liver function shortly afterwards. This patient received blood components from 30 different donors in the 3 months before the transplant. Frozen plasma samples from these donations were investigated for the presence of HEV-RNA. One frequent donor was identified as asymptomatic HEV RNA-positive at the time of his whole blood donation. The investigation revealed that this donor's plasma unit, originally intended for the fractionation industry, had a viral RNA concentration of 1.9 × 104 copies/mL. HEV RNA was detected initially in the index patient who received the red cell concentrate from this donor 25 days after the transfusion. HEV RNA isolated from both donor and recipient were identified as subtype 3f. The recipient of platelet concentrate (PC), treated with a riboflavin-based pathogen reduction technology (PRT) was not infected, being negative for the presence of HEV IgM, IgG, and HEV RNA before and after the transfusion. CONCLUSION This case study shows that HEV was transmitted through red cell transfusion to a recipient, while the patient who received riboflavin/UV light treated PC did not develop signs of infection. A causal relationship between PRT treatment of the PC and the non-transmission of HEV remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Ojea
- Community Centre for Blood and Tissues of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carolina Seco
- Community Centre for Blood and Tissues of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pablo Mata
- Community Centre for Blood and Tissues of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Josep Quer Sivila
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University Hospital Vall D'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Rando Segura
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University Hospital Vall D'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José María García-Gala
- Department of Hematology, University Central Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
- Institute for Bio Health Investigation of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mercedes Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, University Central Hospital of Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
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17
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Bhatti TK, Singal AK, Kwo PY. Viral Hepatitis and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:617-630. [PMID: 37380286 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a potentially reversible syndrome that develops in patients with cirrhosis or with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD) and is characterized by acute decompensation, organ failure, and high short-term mortality. Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are major causes of ACLF. Hepatitis B may also cause ACLF through a flare of hepatitis B, acute infection, or reactivation. Besides supportive care, nucleoside/nucleotide analog therapy should also be initiated in this setting. Nonhepatotropic viruses may rarely also cause ACLF with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus recently being identified with poorer outcomes in those with underlying CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashwani K Singal
- University of SD Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Paul Y Kwo
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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18
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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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19
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Qian Z, Li T, Xia Y, Cong C, Chen S, Zhang Y, Gong S, Wang W, Liu H, Chen D, Zhao W, Zhong G, Deng Y, Yu W, Wei D, Yu X, Huang F. Genotype 4 Hepatitis E virus replicates in the placenta, causes severe histopathological damage, and vertically transmits to fetuses. J Infect 2023; 87:34-45. [PMID: 37160209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2023.05.003] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in pregnant women causes adverse pregnancy outcomes, including maternal death, premature delivery, stillbirth, and fetal infection. However, the pathogenesis of maternal and fetal HEV infection is unclear. METHODS Placenta and placental appendixes were collected from HEV-4 infected pregnant women to explore the vertical transmission of HEV from mothers to fetuses. RESULTS HEV-4 replicated in the placenta, placental membrane, and umbilical cord and was vertically transmitted from mothers to fetuses. HEV-4 placental infection resulted in serious histopathological damage, such as fibrosis and calcification, and severe inflammatory responses. Adverse maternal outcomes were observed in 38.5% of HEV-4 infected pregnant women. The distinct cytokine/chemokine expression patterns of HEV-infected pregnant women and nonpregnant women may contribute to the adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, the impaired maternal and fetal innate immune responses against HEV-4 facilitated viral replication during pregnancy. CONCLUSION HEV-4 replicates in the placenta and is vertically transmitted from mothers to fetuses, causing severe histopathological damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyao Qian
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Tengyuan Li
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Yueping Xia
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Chao Cong
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Shuangfeng Chen
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Yike Zhang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Shiling Gong
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Huichan Liu
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Dongxue Chen
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Wanqiu Zhao
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Guo Zhong
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Yinlong Deng
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Wenhai Yu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China.
| | - Daqiao Wei
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China.
| | - Xiongwu Yu
- Qujing Maternal and Child Health-care Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Qujing, PR China
| | - Fen Huang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China; Yunnan Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Kunming, PR China.
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20
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Han S, Hyun SW, Son JW, Song MS, Lim DJ, Choi C, Park SH, Ha SD. Innovative nonthermal technologies for inactivation of emerging foodborne viruses. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2023; 22:3395-3421. [PMID: 37288815 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13192] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Various foodborne viruses have been associated with human health during the last decade, causing gastroenteritis and a huge economic burden worldwide. Furthermore, the emergence of new variants of infectious viruses is growing continuously. Inactivation of foodborne viruses in the food industry is a formidable task because although viruses cannot grow in foods, they can survive in the food matrix during food processing and storage environments. Conventional inactivation methods pose various drawbacks, necessitating more effective and environmentally friendly techniques for controlling foodborne viruses during food production and processing. Various inactivation approaches for controlling foodborne viruses have been attempted in the food industry. However, some traditionally used techniques, such as disinfectant-based or heat treatment, are not always efficient. Nonthermal techniques are considered a new platform for effective and safe treatment to inactivate foodborne viruses. This review focuses on foodborne viruses commonly associated with human gastroenteritis, including newly emerged viruses, such as sapovirus and Aichi virus. It also investigates the use of chemical and nonthermal physical treatments as effective technologies to inactivate foodborne viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangha Han
- Advanced Food Safety Research Group, BrainKorea21 Plus, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Woo Hyun
- Advanced Food Safety Research Group, BrainKorea21 Plus, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Won Son
- Advanced Food Safety Research Group, BrainKorea21 Plus, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Su Song
- Advanced Food Safety Research Group, BrainKorea21 Plus, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Jae Lim
- Advanced Food Safety Research Group, BrainKorea21 Plus, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsun Choi
- Department of Food and Nutrition, School of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hong Park
- Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Sang-Do Ha
- Advanced Food Safety Research Group, BrainKorea21 Plus, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
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21
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Chen C, Zhu A, Ye S, Li W, Fei L, Huang Q, Chen L. A new dyslipidemia-based scoring model to predict transplant-free survival in patients with hepatitis E-triggered acute-on-chronic liver failure. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:80. [PMID: 37355667 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01826-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatitis E virus (HEV)-triggered acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has unacceptably high short-term mortality. However, it is unclear whether the existing predictive scoring models are applicable to evaluate the prognosis of HEV-triggered ACLF. METHODS We screened datasets of patients with HEV-triggered ACLF from a regional tertiary hospital for infectious diseases in Shanghai, China, between January 2011 and January 2021. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded and compared to determine a variety of short-term mortality risk factors, which were used to develop and validate a new prognostic scoring model. RESULTS Out of 4952 HEV-infected patients, 817 patients with underlying chronic liver disease were enrolled in this study. Among these, 371 patients with HEV-triggered ACLF were identified and allocated to the training set (n = 254) and test set (n = 117). The analysis revealed that hepatic encephalopathy (HE), ascites, triacylglycerol and apolipoprotein A (apoA) were associated with 90-day mortality (P < 0.05). Based on these significant indicators, we designed and calculated a new prognostic score = 0.632 × (ascites: no, 1 point; mild to moderate, 2 points; severe, 3 points) + 0.865 × (HE: no, 1 point; grade 1-2, 2 points; grade 3-4, 3 points) - 0.413 × triacylglycerol (mmol/L) - 2.171 × apoA (g/L). Compared to four well-known prognostic models (MELD score, CTP score, CLIF-C OFs and CLIF-C ACLFs), the new scoring model is more accurate, with the highest auROCs of 0.878 and 0.896, respectively, to predict 28- and 90-day transplantation-free survival from HEV-triggered ACLF. When our model was compared to COSSH ACLF IIs, there was no significant difference. The test data also demonstrated good concordance. CONCLUSIONS This study is one of the first to address the correlation between hepatitis E and serum lipids and provides a new simple and efficient prognostic scoring model for HEV-triggered ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jin-Shan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Aihong Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jin-Shan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Shanke Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jin-Shan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Weixia Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jin-Shan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Ling Fei
- Department of Hepatology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jin-Shan District, Shanghai, 201508, China
| | - Qin Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jin-Shan District, Shanghai, 201508, China.
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Hepatology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Road, Jin-Shan District, Shanghai, 201508, China.
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22
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Songtanin B, Molehin AJ, Brittan K, Manatsathit W, Nugent K. Hepatitis E Virus Infections: Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Clinical Considerations. Viruses 2023; 15:1389. [PMID: 37376687 DOI: 10.3390/v15061389] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 20 million people worldwide are infected annually with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). There are four main genotypes of HEV. Genotype 1 and genotype 2 are common in developing countries and are transmitted by contaminated water from a fecal-oral route. Genotype 3 and genotype 4 are common in developed countries and can lead to occasional transmission to humans via undercooked meat. Hepatitis E virus 1 and HEV3 can lead to fulminant hepatitis, and HEV3 can lead to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in immunocompromised patients. The majority of patients with HEV infection are asymptomatic and usually have spontaneous viral clearance without treatment. However, infection in immunocompromised individuals can lead to chronic HEV infection. Both acute and chronic HEV infections can have extrahepatic manifestations. No specific treatment is required for acute HEV infection, no treatment has been approved in chronic infection, and no HEV vaccine has been approved by the (United States) Food and Drug Administration. This review focuses on the molecular virology (HEV life cycle, genotypes, model systems, zoonosis), pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and treatment of chronic HEV infection, especially in immunocompromised patients, to provide clinicians a better understanding of the global distribution of these infections and the significant effect they can have on immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Busara Songtanin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Adebayo J Molehin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
| | - Kevin Brittan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Wuttiporn Manatsathit
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kenneth Nugent
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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23
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Ikram A, Alzahrani B, Zaheer T, Sattar S, Rasheed S, Aurangzeb M, Ishaq Y. An In Silico Deep Learning Approach to Multi-Epitope Vaccine Design: A Hepatitis E Virus Case Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030710. [PMID: 36992295 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030710] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute and chronic hepatitis. The severity of HEV infection increases manyfold in pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Despite the extensive research on HEV in the last few decades, there is no widely available vaccine yet. In the current study, immunoinformatic analyses were applied to predict a multi-epitope vaccine candidate against HEV. From the ORF2 region, 41 conserved and immunogenic epitopes were prioritized. These epitopes were further analyzed for their probable antigenic and non-allergenic combinations with several linkers. The stability of the vaccine construct was confirmed by molecular dynamic simulations. The vaccine construct is potentially antigenic and docking analysis revealed stable interactions with TLR3. These results suggest that the proposed vaccine can efficiently stimulate both cellular and humoral immune responses. However, further studies are needed to determine the immunogenicity of the vaccine construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aqsa Ikram
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Badr Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahreem Zaheer
- Department of Biological Physics, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sobia Sattar
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Rasheed
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Aurangzeb
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Yasmeen Ishaq
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), University of Lahore (UOL), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
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24
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Mättö J, Putkuri N, Rimhanen-Finne R, Laurila P, Clancy J, Ihalainen J, Ekblom-Kullberg S. Hepatitis E Virus in Finland: Epidemiology and Risk in Blood Donors and in the General Population. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030484. [PMID: 36986406 PMCID: PMC10054892 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Autochthonous hepatitis E (HEV) cases have been increasingly recognized and reported in Europe, caused predominantly by the zoonotic HEV genotype 3. The clinical picture is highly variable, from asymptomatic to acute severe or prolonged hepatitis in immunocompromised patients. The main route of transmission to humans in Europe is the ingestion of undercooked pork meat. Transfusion-transmitted HEV infections have also been reported. The aim of the study was to determine the HEV epidemiology and risk in the Finnish blood donor population. A total of 23,137 samples from Finnish blood donors were screened for HEV RNA from individual samples and 1012 samples for HEV antibodies. Additionally, laboratory-confirmed hepatitis E cases in 2016-2022 were extracted from national surveillance data. The HEV RNA prevalence data was used to estimate the risk of transfusion transmission of HEV in the Finnish blood transfusion setting. Four HEV RNA-positive were found, resulting in 1:5784 (0.02%) RNA prevalence. All HEV RNA-positive samples were IgM-negative, and genotyped samples represented genotype HEV 3c. HEV IgG seroprevalence was 7.4%. From the HEV RNA rate found in this study and data on blood component usage in Finland in 2020, the risk estimate for a severe transfusion-transmitted HEV infection is 1:1,377,000 components or one in every 6-7 years. In conclusion, the results indicate that the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV (HEV TTI) in Finland is low. However, continuous follow-up of the HEV epidemiology in relation to the transfusion risk landscape in Finland is necessary, as well as promoting awareness in the medical community of the small risk for HEV TTI, especially for immunocompromised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaana Mättö
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, 01730 Vantaa, Finland
| | - Niina Putkuri
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, 01730 Vantaa, Finland
| | | | - Päivi Laurila
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jonna Clancy
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service Biobank, 01730 Vantaa, Finland
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25
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Higher Risk of HEV Transmission and Exposure among Blood Donors in Europe and Asia in Comparison to North America: A Meta-Analysis. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12030425. [PMID: 36986347 PMCID: PMC10059948 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: The increasing number of diagnosed hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in Europe has led to the implementation of the testing of blood products in various countries. Many nations have not yet implemented such screening. To assess the need for HEV screening in blood products worldwide, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing HEV RNA positivity and anti-HEV seroprevalence in blood donors. Methods: Studies reporting anti-HEV IgG/IgM or HEV RNA positivity rates among blood donors worldwide were identified via predefined search terms in PubMed and Scopus. Estimates were calculated by pooling study data with multivariable linear mixed-effects metaregression analysis. Results: A total of 157 (14%) of 1144 studies were included in the final analysis. The estimated HEV PCR positivity rate ranged from 0.01 to 0.14% worldwide, with strikingly higher rates in Asia (0.14%) and Europe (0.10%) in comparison to North America (0.01%). In line with this, anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in North America (13%) was lower than that in Europe (19%). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate large regional differences regarding the risk of HEV exposure and blood-borne HEV transmission. Considering the cost–benefit ratio, this supports blood product screening in high endemic areas, such as Europe and Asia, in contrast to low endemic regions, such as the U.S.
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26
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Majeed R, Khalid M, Sherazi M, Faisal MJ, Waheed MA. A Rare Case of Chronic Liver Disease in a Patient Who Previously Presented With Hepatitis E. Cureus 2023; 15:e35474. [PMID: 37007339 PMCID: PMC10051036 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is among the most common causes of acute viral hepatitis. It typically causes acute infection, but some cases of chronic infection have also been recorded. These cases were particularly seen in developed countries, in patients who were immunocompromised, organ transplant recipients, or those with underlying hematological malignancy. However, we encountered a case of hepatitis E presenting as a chronic liver disease in an immunocompetent patient from a developing country. Therefore, more underlying risk factors need to be studied, which may lead to such a rare presentation of hepatitis E.
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27
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Oral Zinc Supplementation in Chronically HEV-Infected Patients Not Responding to Ribavirin Monotherapy. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2023. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon-130865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Background: Chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection may progress to end-stage liver disease in immunosuppressed individuals. Ribavirin therapy is efficient in most chronic HEV patients, but 10% remain without a sustained virological response (SVR). Objectives: We aimed to study whether zinc supplementation could represent a therapeutic approach in these patients. Methods: Antiviral properties of zinc salts were studied in vitro (subgenomic-replicon system), in vivo (rabbit model), and retrospectively in patients with chronic hepatitis E who did not achieve SVR under ribavirin monotherapy. Results: Zinc inhibited HEV genotype-3 replication in vitro. In a model of acute HEV infection in immunocompetent rabbits, zinc + ribavirin did not improve viral clearance compared to ribavirin monotherapy. In chronically HEV-infected patients not responding to ribavirin (n = 12), viral clearance was observed in 4/12 (33%) patients receiving additional zinc supplementation. Conclusions: Oral zinc, an inexpensive, harmless dietary supplement, could potentially represent a rescue treatment option for a few patients with chronic hepatitis E without SVR under ribavirin monotherapy. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of zinc in HEV further.
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28
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Fernández Villalobos NV, Kessel B, Torres Páez JC, Strömpl J, Kerrinnes T, de la Hoz Restrepo FP, Strengert M, Krause G. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus in children and adolescents living in urban Bogotá: An explorative cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:981172. [PMID: 36844812 PMCID: PMC9943700 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.981172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)-related studies are carried out in adults whereas information about HEV seroprevalence, clinical disease manifestation, molecular epidemiology, and transmission patterns in children is limited. To estimate HEV seroprevalence among scholar children living in an urban setting and to analyze risk factors for an infection, we invited children aged 5-18 years from Bogotá (Colombia) for a cross-sectional survey. We collected self-reported data on demographics, social, clinical, and exposure variables in a structured interview. Venous blood samples were analyzed with two commercially available ELISAs for HEV-specific IgG antibodies. Among the 263 participants, we found three HEV IgG-reactive samples (1.1%) using both assays. We additionally characterized the samples for HEV IgM using a commercially available IgM ELISA and for HEV RNA. Here, we found one IgM-reactive sample, which was also reactive for IgG. In contrast, none of the IgM- and IgG-reactive sera samples showed detectable RNA levels indicating HEV exposure had not been recently. All participants reported access to drinking water and sanitary systems in their households and frequent hand washing routines (76-88%). Eighty percent of children reported no direct contact with pigs, but occasional pork consumption was common (90%). In contrast to the majority of studies performed in Colombian adults, we found a low unadjusted HEV seroprevalence of 1.1% (95% CI: 0.3-3.6%) for both HEV IgG ELISAs in our study population. While the majority of participants reported pork consumption, we speculate in the absence of viral RNA for genotyping in the affected individuals, that existing access to drinking water and sanitary systems within our study group contribute to the low HEV seroprevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbora Kessel
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Johanna Carolina Torres Páez
- Department of Epidemiology, PhD Programme, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig-Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Strömpl
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Tobias Kerrinnes
- Department of RNA-Biology of Bacterial Infections, Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI), Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Monika Strengert
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany,Twincore, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture of the Hannover Medical School and Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany,*Correspondence: Monika Strengert ✉
| | - Gérard Krause
- Department of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany,Twincore, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture of the Hannover Medical School and Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site: Braunschweig-Hannover, Braunschweig, Germany
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29
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Mikhailov MI, Karlsen AA, Potemkin IA, Isaeva OV, Kichatova VS, Malinnikova EY, Asadi Mobarkhan FA, Mullin EV, Lopatukhina MA, Manuylov VA, Mazunina EP, Bykonia EN, Kleymenov DA, Popova LI, Gushchin VA, Tkachuk AP, Polyakov AD, Eladly AM, Solonin SA, Gordeychuk IV, Kyuregyan KK. Geographic and Temporal Variability of Hepatitis E Virus Circulation in the Russian Federation. Viruses 2022; 15:37. [PMID: 36680077 PMCID: PMC9865877 DOI: 10.3390/v15010037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The factors influencing hepatitis E virus (HEV) circulation remain largely unexplored. We investigated HEV seroprevalence in humans and the prevalence of infection in farm pigs and rabbits in different regions of the Russian Federation, as well as the genetic diversity and population dynamics of the HEV. The anti-HEV IgG antibody detection rates in the general population increase significantly with age, from 1.5% in children and adolescents under 20 years old to 4.8% in adults aged between 20 and 59 years old to 16.7% in people aged 60 years and older. HEV seroprevalence varies between regions, with the highest rate observed in Belgorod Region (16.4% compared with the national average of 4.6%), which also has the country's highest pig population. When compared with the archival data, both increases and declines in HEV seroprevalence have been observed within the last 10 years, depending on the study region. Virus shedding has been detected in 19 out of the 21 pig farms surveyed. On one farm, the circulation of the same viral strain for five years was documented. All the human and animal strains belonged to the HEV-3 genotype, with its clade 2 sequences being predominant in pigs. The sequences are from patients, pigs, and sewage from pig farms clustered together, suggesting a zoonotic infection in humans and possible environmental contamination. The HEV-3 population size that was predicted using SkyGrid reconstruction demonstrated exponential growth in the 1970s-1990s, with a subsequent decline followed by a short rise around the year 2010, the pattern being similar to the dynamics of the pig population in the country. The HEV-3 reproduction number (Re) that was predicted using birth-death skyline analysis has fluctuated around 1 over the past 20 years in Russia but is 10 times higher in Belgorod Region. In conclusion, the HEV-3 circulation varies both geographically and temporally, even within a single country. The possible factors contributing to this variability are largely related to the circulation of the virus among farm pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail I. Mikhailov
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, 125993 Moscow, Russia
- Medical Faculty, Belgorod State National Research University, 308015 Belgorod, Russia
| | - Anastasia A. Karlsen
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific and Educational Resource Center for High-Performance Methods of Genomic Analysis, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya A. Potemkin
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, 125993 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Isaeva
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, 125993 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera S. Kichatova
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, 125993 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Yu. Malinnikova
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, 125993 Moscow, Russia
| | - Fedor A. Asadi Mobarkhan
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, 125993 Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugeniy V. Mullin
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A. Lopatukhina
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor A. Manuylov
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena P. Mazunina
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeniia N. Bykonia
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis A. Kleymenov
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov I. Popova
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Gushchin
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Artem P. Tkachuk
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey D. Polyakov
- Skolkovo Territorial Department of Rospotrebnadzor in Moscow, 143026 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ahmed Mohammed Eladly
- Scientific and Educational Resource Center for High-Performance Methods of Genomic Analysis, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Botany & Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Sergey A. Solonin
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine of the Moscow Health Department, 129090 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya V. Gordeychuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 108819 Moscow, Russia
| | - Karen K. Kyuregyan
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Mechnikov Research Institute of Vaccines and Sera, 105064 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, 125993 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific and Educational Resource Center for High-Performance Methods of Genomic Analysis, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia
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Modulation of SOCS3 Levels via STAT3 and Estrogen-ERαp66 Signaling during Hepatitis E Virus Replication in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. J Virol 2022; 96:e0100822. [PMID: 36102649 PMCID: PMC9555149 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01008-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection usually results in a self-limiting acute disease; however, in infected pregnant women, it is associated with increased mortality and fulminant hepatic failure. Estrogen is known to be elevated during pregnancy, and estrogen signaling via classical estrogen receptor-ERα is known to regulate hepatocyte function and host innate immune response, including the STAT3 pathway. In this study, we investigated whether the estrogen classical signaling pathway via ERαp66 has any effect on STAT3 activation during HEV replication and HEV-induced IFN response. We first demonstrated that Huh7-S10-3 liver cells expressed the nonfunctional estrogen receptor ERαp36 isoform and lack the functional ERαp66 isoform. We further showed persistent phosphorylated-STAT3 levels in genotype 3 human HEV (Kernow P6 strain) RNA-transfected cells at later time points. In Huh7-S10-3 cells, estrogen at first-to-third trimester concentration (7.3 to 73 nM) did not significantly affect HEV replication; however, blocking of STAT3 activation led to a decrease in the HEV ORF2 protein level. Our mechanistic study revealed that STAT3 differentially regulates SOCS3 and type-III interferon (IFN) levels during HEV replication and the presence of estrogen-ERαp66 signaling stabilizes SOCS3 levels in vitro. We also demonstrate that HEV infection in pregnant and nonpregnant rabbits led to a significant increase in IFN response as measured by increased levels of IFN-stimulated-gene-15 (ISG15) mRNA levels irrespective of pregnancy status. Collectively, the results indicate that estrogen signaling and STAT3 regulate SOCS3 and IFN responses in vitro during HEV replication. The results have important implications for understanding HEV replication and HEV-induced innate immune response in pregnant women. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis E is usually a self-resolving acute disease; however, in pregnant women, HEV infection is associated with high mortality and fulminant hepatic failure. During pregnancy, estrogen levels are elevated, and in the liver, the estrogen receptor ERα is predominant and estrogen signaling is known to regulate hepatocyte metabolism and leptin-induced STAT3 levels. Viruses can module host innate immune response via STAT3. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether STAT3 and estrogen-classical signaling via the ERαp66 pathway modulate HEV replication and HEV-induced innate immune response. We demonstrated that estrogen signaling did not affect HEV replication in human liver cells, but blocking of STAT3 activation reduced HEV capsid protein levels in human liver cells. We also showed that inhibition of STAT3 activation reduced SOCS3 levels, while the presence of the estrogen-ERαp66 signaling pathway stabilized SOCS3 levels. The results from this study will aid our understanding of the mechanism of HEV pathogenesis and immune response during pregnancy.
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Brüggemann Y, Klöhn M, Todt D. The pivotal role of CD8+ T cells in hepatitis E virus infection. J Hepatol 2022; 77:909-911. [PMID: 35977612 PMCID: PMC9413854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany; European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), 07743, Jena, Germany.
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Kemming J, Gundlach S, Panning M, Huzly D, Huang J, Lütgehetmann M, Pischke S, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Emmerich F, Llewellyn-Lacey S, Price DA, Tanriver Y, Warnatz K, Boettler T, Thimme R, Hofmann M, Fischer N, Neumann-Haefelin C. Mechanisms of CD8+ T-cell failure in chronic hepatitis E virus infection. J Hepatol 2022; 77:978-990. [PMID: 35636577 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In immunosuppressed patients, persistent HEV infection is common and may lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. HEV clearance depends on an effective virus-specific CD8+ T-cell response; however, the knowledge gap around HEV-specific CD8+ T-cell epitopes has hindered analysis of the mechanisms of T-cell failure in persistent infection. METHODS We comprehensively studied HEV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in 46 patients with self-limiting (n = 34) or chronic HEV infection (n = 12), by epitope-specific expansion, functional testing, ex vivo peptide HLA class I tetramer multi-parametric staining, and viral sequence analysis. RESULTS We identified 25 HEV-specific CD8+ T-cell epitopes restricted by 9 different HLA class I alleles. In self-limiting HEV infection, HEV-specific CD8+ T cells were vigorous, contracted after resolution of infection, and formed functional memory responses. In contrast, in chronic infection, the HEV-specific CD8+ T-cell response was diminished, declined over time, and displayed phenotypic features of exhaustion. However, improved proliferation of HEV-specific CD8+ T cells, increased interferon-γ production and evolution of a memory-like phenotype were observed upon reduction of immunosuppression and/or ribavirin treatment and were associated with viral clearance. In 1 patient, mutational viral escape in a targeted CD8+ T-cell epitope contributed to CD8+ T-cell failure. CONCLUSION Chronic HEV infection is associated with HEV-specific CD8+ T-cell exhaustion, indicating that T-cell exhaustion driven by persisting antigen recognition also occurs in severely immunosuppressed hosts. Functional reinvigoration of virus-specific T cells is at least partially possible when antigen is cleared. In a minority of patients, viral escape also contributes to HEV-specific CD8+ T-cell failure and thus needs to be considered in personalized immunotherapeutic approaches. LAY SUMMARY Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is usually cleared spontaneously (without treatment) in patients with fully functioning immune systems. In immunosuppressed patients, chronic HEV infection is common and can progress rapidly to cirrhosis and liver failure. Herein, we identified the presence of HEV-specific CD8+ T cells (a specific type of immune cell that can target HEV) in immunosuppressed patients, but we show that these cells do not function properly. This dysfunction appears to play a role in the development of chronic HEV infection in vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Kemming
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Swantje Gundlach
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Marcus Panning
- Institute of Virology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Huzly
- Institute of Virology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jiabin Huang
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany; Institute of Virology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany; Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Florian Emmerich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sian Llewellyn-Lacey
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - David A Price
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Systems Immunity Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Yakup Tanriver
- Department of Medicine IV (Nephrology and Primary Care), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Warnatz
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Boettler
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Regulatory Role of B Cells and Its Subsets in Hepatitis E Virus Infection. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7932150. [PMID: 36132083 PMCID: PMC9484887 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7932150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies as well as memory B cells are the potential correlates of a protective immune response against hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Literature on the role of B regulatory cells (Bregs) in acute viral infections is limited. We have evaluated the role of IL-10 expressing Bregs in HEV infection. A total of 108 acute hepatitis E patients, 55 hepatitis E recovered individuals and 128 HEV naïve healthy controls were enrolled. The percentages of peripheral CD19+, immature CD19+CD24hiCD38hi, mature CD19+CD24intCD38int and memory CD19+CD24hiCD38− B cells were analyzed by flowcytometry. Intracellular cytokine staining for IL-10 and TGF-β, HEV-rORF2p specific T cell response (IFN-γ expression) pre/post IL-10/IL-10R blocking and CD19+IL-10+ B cells-depletion based assays were carried out to assess the functionality of Bregs. The percentage of HEV-rORF2p specific immature B cell phenotype was significantly higher in acute hepatitis E patients compared to hepatitis E recovered individuals and controls. Significantly higher IL-10 expression on B and HEV-rORF2p stimulated immature B cells of acute hepatitis E patients compared to controls indicated that Bregs are functional and HEV-rORF2p specific. Enhanced IFN-γ expression on CD8+ T cells upon IL-10/IL-10R blocking and also post CD19+IL-10+ B cells depletion suggested that CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+ T cells corroborate the regulatory potential of Bregs via IL-10 dependent mechanism. We have identified HEV specific functional, immature CD19+CD24hiCD38hi B cells having IL-10 mediated regulatory activities and a potential to modulate IFN-γ mediated T cell response in Hepatitis E. The prognostic/pathogenic role of Bregs in recovery from severe hepatitis E needs evaluation.
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Hervouet K, Ferrié M, Ankavay M, Montpellier C, Camuzet C, Alexandre V, Dembélé A, Lecoeur C, Foe AT, Bouquet P, Hot D, Vausselin T, Saliou JM, Salomé-Desnoulez S, Vandeputte A, Marsollier L, Brodin P, Dreux M, Rouillé Y, Dubuisson J, Aliouat-Denis CM, Cocquerel L. An Arginine-Rich Motif in the ORF2 capsid protein regulates the hepatitis E virus lifecycle and interactions with the host cell. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010798. [PMID: 36007070 PMCID: PMC9451086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Hepatitis E is usually asymptomatic and self-limiting but it can become chronic in immunocompromised patients and is associated with increased fulminant hepatic failure and mortality rates in pregnant women. HEV genome encodes three proteins including the ORF2 protein that is the viral capsid protein. Interestingly, HEV produces 3 isoforms of the ORF2 capsid protein which are partitioned in different subcellular compartments and perform distinct functions in the HEV lifecycle. Notably, the infectious ORF2 (ORF2i) protein is the structural component of virions, whereas the genome-free secreted and glycosylated ORF2 proteins likely act as a humoral immune decoy. Here, by using a series of ORF2 capsid protein mutants expressed in the infectious genotype 3 p6 HEV strain as well as chimeras between ORF2 and the CD4 glycoprotein, we demonstrated how an Arginine-Rich Motif (ARM) located in the ORF2 N-terminal region controls the fate and functions of ORF2 isoforms. We showed that the ARM controls ORF2 nuclear translocation likely to promote regulation of host antiviral responses. This motif also regulates the dual topology and functionality of ORF2 signal peptide, leading to the production of either cytosolic infectious ORF2i or reticular non-infectious glycosylated ORF2 forms. It serves as maturation site of glycosylated ORF2 by furin, and promotes ORF2-host cell membrane interactions. The identification of ORF2 ARM as a unique central regulator of the HEV lifecycle uncovers how viruses settle strategies to condense their genetic information and hijack cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Hervouet
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Martin Ferrié
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Maliki Ankavay
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claire Montpellier
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Charline Camuzet
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Virginie Alexandre
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Aïcha Dembélé
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Cécile Lecoeur
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Arnold Thomas Foe
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Peggy Bouquet
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - David Hot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Thibaut Vausselin
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Michel Saliou
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Sophie Salomé-Desnoulez
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Alexandre Vandeputte
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Laurent Marsollier
- Université d’Angers, Nantes Université, INSERM, Immunology and New Concepts in ImmunoTherapy, INCIT, UMR 1302, Angers, France
| | - Priscille Brodin
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014 - US41 - PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie & Santé, Lille, France
| | - Marlène Dreux
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm-U1111, CNRS-UMR5308, ENS-Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Yves Rouillé
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Cécile-Marie Aliouat-Denis
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- University of Lille, CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, Lille, France
- * E-mail:
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Chen C, Zhang SY, Chen L. Review of clinical characteristics, immune responses and regulatory mechanisms of hepatitis E-associated liver failure. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:6341-6348. [PMID: 35979284 PMCID: PMC9294909 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i19.6341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute liver failure (LF) and one of the most common factors causing acute injury in acute-on-chronic LF (ACLF). When HEV-related LF occurs, a series of changes take place in both the intrahepatic environment and extrahepatic microenvironment. The changed types and distribution of immune cells (infiltrating macrophages and increased lymphocytes) in liver tissue, as well the increased proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the blood, indicate that the occurrence and progression of HEV-related LF are closely related to immune imbalance. The clinical features and immune reaction in the body during HEV-related acute LF (ALF) and ACLF are complicated. This review highlights recent progress in elucidating the clinical manifestations of HEV-associated ALF and ACLF and discusses the corresponding systemic immune changes and possible regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Shu-Ye Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Hepatology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai 201508, China
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Damiris K, Aghaie Meybodi M, Niazi M, Pyrsopoulos N. Hepatitis E in immunocompromised individuals. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:482-494. [PMID: 35582299 PMCID: PMC9055194 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i3.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) originally identified as a cause of acute icteric hepatitis in developing countries has grown to be a cause of zoonotic viral hepatitis in developed countries such as the United States. While there are eight identified genotypes to date, genotype 1 (HEV1), HEV2, HEV3, HEV4 are the most common to infect humans. HEV1 and HEV2 are most common in developing countries including Latina America, Africa and Asia, and are commonly transmitted through contaminated water supplies leading to regional outbreaks. In contrast HEV3 and HEV4 circulate freely in many mammalian animals and can lead to occasional transmission to humans through fecal contamination or consumption of undercooked meat. The incidence and prevalence of HEV in the United States is undetermined given the absence of FDA approved serological assays and the lack of commercially available testing. In majority of cases, HEV infection is a self-limiting hepatitis requiring only symptomatic treatment. However, this is not the case in immunocompromised individuals, including those that have undergone solid organ or stem cell transplantation. In this subset of patients, chronic infection can be life threatening as hepatic insult can lead to inflammation and fibrosis with subsequent cirrhosis and death. The need for re-transplantation as a result of post-transplant hepatitis is of great concern. In addition, there have been many reported incidents of extrahepatic manifestations, for which the exact mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The cornerstone of treatment in immunocompromised solid organ transplant recipients is reduction of immunosuppressive therapies, while attempting to minimize the risk of organ rejection. Subsequent treatment options include ribavirin, and pegylated interferon alpha in those who have demonstrated ribavirin resistance. Further investigation assessing safety and efficacy of anti-viral therapy is imperative given the rising global health burden. Given this concern, vaccination has been approved in China with other investigations underway throughout the world. In this review we introduce the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of HEV, with emphasis on immunocompromised individuals in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Damiris
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Mohamad Aghaie Meybodi
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Mumtaz Niazi
- Department of Medicine - Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos
- Department of Medicine - Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
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Induction of Hepatitis E Virus Anti-ORF3 Antibodies from Systemic Administration of a Muscle-Specific Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Vector. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020266. [PMID: 35215859 PMCID: PMC8878420 DOI: 10.3390/v14020266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major global health problem, leading to large outbreaks in the developing world and chronic infections in the developed world. HEV is a non-enveloped virus, which circulates in the blood in a quasi-enveloped form. The quasi-envelope protects HEV particles from neutralising anti-capsid antibodies in the serum; however, most vaccine approaches are designed to induce an immune response against the HEV capsid. In this study, we explored systemic in vivo administration of a novel synthetic and myotropic Adeno-associated virus vector (AAVMYO3) to express the small HEV phosphoprotein ORF3 (found on quasi-enveloped HEV) in the musculature of mice, resulting in the robust and dose-dependent formation of anti-ORF3 antibodies. Neutralisation assays using the serum of ORF3 AAV-transduced mice showed a modest inhibitory effect on the infection of quasi-enveloped HEV in vivo, comparable to previously characterised anti-ORF3 antibodies used as a control. The novel AAVMYO3 capsid used in this study can serve as a versatile platform for the continued development of vector-based vaccines against HEV and other infectious agents, which could complement traditional vaccines akin to the current positive experience with SARS-CoV-2.
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Cancela F, Noceti O, Arbiza J, Mirazo S. Structural aspects of hepatitis E virus. Arch Virol 2022; 167:2457-2481. [PMID: 36098802 PMCID: PMC9469829 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05575-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. Hepatitis E is an enterically transmitted zoonotic disease that causes large waterborne epidemic outbreaks in developing countries and has become an increasing public-health concern in industrialized countries. In this setting, the infection is usually acute and self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals, although chronic cases in immunocompromised patients have been reported, frequently associated with several extrahepatic manifestations. Moreover, extrahepatic manifestations have also been reported in immunocompetent individuals with acute HEV infection. HEV belongs to the alphavirus-like supergroup III of single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses, and its genome contains three partially overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes a nonstructural protein with eight domains, most of which have not been extensively characterized: methyltransferase, Y domain, papain-like cysteine protease, hypervariable region, proline-rich region, X domain, Hel domain, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. ORF2 and ORF3 encode the capsid protein and a multifunctional protein believed to be involved in virion release, respectively. The novel ORF4 is only expressed in HEV genotype 1 under endoplasmic reticulum stress conditions, and its exact function has not yet been elucidated. Despite important advances in recent years, the biological and molecular processes underlying HEV replication remain poorly understood, primarily due to a lack of detailed information about the functions of the viral proteins and the mechanisms involved in host-pathogen interactions. This review summarizes the current knowledge concerning HEV proteins and their biological properties, providing updated detailed data describing their function and focusing in detail on their structural characteristics. Furthermore, we review some unclear aspects of the four proteins encoded by the ORFs, highlighting the current key information gaps and discussing potential novel experimental strategies for shedding light on those issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cancela
- grid.11630.350000000121657640Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ofelia Noceti
- grid.414402.70000 0004 0469 0889Programa Nacional de Trasplante Hepático y Unidad Docente Asistencial Centro Nacional de Tratamiento Hepatobiliopancreatico. Hospital Central de las Fuerzas Armadas, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Juan Arbiza
- grid.11630.350000000121657640Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Santiago Mirazo
- grid.11630.350000000121657640Sección Virología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay ,grid.11630.350000000121657640Departamento de Bacteriología y Virología, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay ,Av. Alfredo Navarro 3051, PC 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay
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Bentaleb C, Hervouet K, Montpellier C, Camuzet C, Ferrié M, Burlaud-Gaillard J, Bressanelli S, Metzger K, Werkmeister E, Ankavay M, Janampa NL, Marlet J, Roux J, Deffaud C, Goffard A, Rouillé Y, Dubuisson J, Roingeard P, Aliouat-Denis CM, Cocquerel L. The endocytic recycling compartment serves as a viral factory for hepatitis E virus. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:615. [PMID: 36460928 PMCID: PMC9718719 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04646-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Although hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major leading cause of enterically transmitted viral hepatitis worldwide, many gaps remain in the understanding of the HEV lifecycle. Notably, viral factories induced by HEV have not been documented yet, and it is currently unknown whether HEV infection leads to cellular membrane modeling as many positive-strand RNA viruses. HEV genome encodes the ORF1 replicase, the ORF2 capsid protein and the ORF3 protein involved in virion egress. Previously, we demonstrated that HEV produces different ORF2 isoforms including the virion-associated ORF2i form. Here, we generated monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize the ORF2i form and antibodies that recognize the different ORF2 isoforms. One antibody, named P1H1 and targeting the ORF2i N-terminus, recognized delipidated HEV particles from cell culture and patient sera. Importantly, AlphaFold2 modeling demonstrated that the P1H1 epitope is exposed on HEV particles. Next, antibodies were used to probe viral factories in HEV-producing/infected cells. By confocal microscopy, we identified subcellular nugget-like structures enriched in ORF1, ORF2 and ORF3 proteins and viral RNA. Electron microscopy analyses revealed an unprecedented HEV-induced membrane network containing tubular and vesicular structures. We showed that these structures are dependent on ORF2i capsid protein assembly and ORF3 expression. An extensive colocalization study of viral proteins with subcellular markers, and silencing experiments demonstrated that these structures are derived from the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC) for which Rab11 is a central player. Hence, HEV hijacks the ERC and forms a membrane network of vesicular and tubular structures that might be the hallmark of HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrine Bentaleb
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Kévin Hervouet
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Claire Montpellier
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Charline Camuzet
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Martin Ferrié
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Julien Burlaud-Gaillard
- grid.411167.40000 0004 1765 1600Inserm U1259, Morphogénèse et Antigénicité du VIH et des Virus des Hépatites (MAVIVH), Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France ,Université de Tours et CHRU de Tours, Plateforme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Tours, France
| | - Stéphane Bressanelli
- grid.457334.20000 0001 0667 2738Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | - Karoline Metzger
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Elisabeth Werkmeister
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, UMR2014-US41-PLBS-Plateformes Lilloises de Biologie and Santé, Lille, France
| | - Maliki Ankavay
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France ,Present Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institute of Microbiology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nancy Leon Janampa
- grid.411167.40000 0004 1765 1600Inserm U1259, Morphogénèse et Antigénicité du VIH et des Virus des Hépatites (MAVIVH), Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Julien Marlet
- grid.411167.40000 0004 1765 1600Inserm U1259, Morphogénèse et Antigénicité du VIH et des Virus des Hépatites (MAVIVH), Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France
| | | | | | - Anne Goffard
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Yves Rouillé
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Philippe Roingeard
- grid.411167.40000 0004 1765 1600Inserm U1259, Morphogénèse et Antigénicité du VIH et des Virus des Hépatites (MAVIVH), Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, 37032 Tours, France ,Université de Tours et CHRU de Tours, Plateforme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Tours, France
| | - Cécile-Marie Aliouat-Denis
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- grid.503422.20000 0001 2242 6780University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Pasteur Institute of Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000 Lille, France
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The Capsid (ORF2) Protein of Hepatitis E Virus in Feces Is C-Terminally Truncated. Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010024. [PMID: 35055972 PMCID: PMC8779013 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a causative agent of hepatitis E. HEV virions in circulating blood and culture media are quasi-enveloped, while those in feces are nonenveloped. The capsid (ORF2) protein associated with an enveloped HEV virion is reported to comprise the translation product of leucine 14/methionine 16 to 660 (C-terminal end). However, the nature of the ORF2 protein associated with fecal HEV remains unclear. In the present study, we compared the molecular size of the ORF2 protein among fecal HEV, cell-culture-generated HEV (HEVcc), and detergent-treated protease-digested HEVcc. The ORF2 proteins associated with fecal HEV were C-terminally truncated and showed the same size as those of the detergent-treated protease-digested HEVcc virions (60 kDa), in contrast to those of the HEVcc (68 kDa). The structure prediction of the ORF2 protein (in line with previous studies) demonstrated that the C-terminal region (54 amino acids) of an ORF2 protein is in flux, suggesting that proteases target this region. The nonenveloped nondigested HEV structure prediction indicates that the C-terminal region of the ORF2 protein moves to the surface of the virion and is unnecessary for HEV infection. Our findings clarify the maturation of nonenveloped HEV and will be useful for studies on the HEV lifecycle.
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Serological Evidence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Semi-Domesticated Eurasian Tundra Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Norway. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121542. [PMID: 34959497 PMCID: PMC8709481 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of viral hepatitis in humans. In developing countries, HEV-infections seem to be mainly associated with pigs, but other animal species may be involved in viral transmission. Recently, anti-HEV antibodies were detected in Norwegian wild reindeer. Here, we investigated anti-HEV seroprevalence in Norwegian semi-domesticated reindeer, animals in closer contact with humans than their wild counterparts. Blood samples (n = 516) were obtained from eight reindeer herds during the period 2013–2017 and analysed with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay designed for detecting anti-HEV antibodies in livestock. Antibodies were found in all herds and for all sampling seasons. The overall seroprevalence was 15.7% (81/516), with adults showing a slightly higher seroprevalence (18.0%, 46/256) than calves (13.5%, 35/260, p = 0.11). The seroprevalence was not influenced by gender or latitude, and there was no temporal trend (p > 0.15). A positive association between the presence of anti-HEV antibodies and antibodies against alphaherpesvirus and pestivirus, detected in a previous screening, was found (p < 0.05). We conclude that Norwegian semi-domesticated reindeer are exposed to HEV or an antigenically similar virus. Whether the virus is affecting reindeer health or infects humans and poses a threat for human health remains unknown and warrants further investigations.
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Bremer W, Blasczyk H, Yin X, Duron ES, Grakoui A, Feng Z, Walker C. Resolution of hepatitis E virus infection in CD8+ T cell-depleted rhesus macaques. J Hepatol 2021; 75:557-564. [PMID: 33961939 PMCID: PMC8603813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS HEV is a significant cause of acute hepatitis globally. Some genotypes establish persistent infection when immunity is impaired. Adaptive immune mechanisms that mediate resolution of infection have not been identified. Herein, the requirement for CD8+ T cells to control HEV infection was assessed in rhesus macaques, a model of acute and persistent HEV infection in humans. METHODS Rhesus macaques were untreated or treated with depleting anti-CD8α monoclonal antibodies before challenge with an HEV genotype (gt)3 isolate derived from a chronically infected human patient. HEV replication, alanine aminotransferase, anti-capsid antibody and HEV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were assessed after infection. RESULTS HEV control in untreated macaques coincided with the onset of a neutralizing IgG response against the ORF2 capsid and liver infiltration of functional HEV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Virus control was delayed by 1 week in CD8+ T cell-depleted macaques. Infection resolved with onset of a neutralizing IgG antibody response and a much more robust expansion of CD4+ T cells with antiviral effector function. CONCLUSIONS Liver infiltration of functional CD8+ T cells coincident with HEV clearance in untreated rhesus macaques, and a 1-week delay in HEV clearance in CD8+ T cell-depleted rhesus macaques, support a role for this subset in timely control of virus replication. Resolution of infection in the absence of CD8+ T cells nonetheless indicates that neutralizing antibodies and/or CD4+ T cells may act autonomously to inhibit HEV replication. HEV susceptibility to multiple adaptive effector mechanisms may explain why persistence occurs only with generalized immune suppression. The findings also suggest that neutralizing antibodies and/or CD4+ T cells should be considered as a component of immunotherapy for chronic infection. LAY SUMMARY The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of liver disease globally. Some genetic types (genotypes) of HEV persist in the body if immunity is impaired. Our objective was to identify immune responses that promote clearance of HEV. Findings indicate that HEV may be susceptible to multiple arms of the immune response that can act independently to terminate infection. They also provide a pathway to assess immune therapies for chronic HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Bremer
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Heather Blasczyk
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xin Yin
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Eduardo Salinas Duron
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zongdi Feng
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christopher Walker
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH, USA; Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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43
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Effective treatment of acute hepatitis E by ribavirin in a patient complicated with renal impairment: a case report. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jppr.1719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Anugwom C, Campbell C, Debes JD. Assessment of subclinical effects of Hepatitis E virus infection in the United States. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1091-1097. [PMID: 33894038 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Some studies have exposed an increase in liver cirrhosis in hepatitis E seropositive individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus. The interrelation between HEV seroprevalence and risk of liver disease in immune-competent individuals remains under- investigated. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data containing >30,000 subjects, we addressed if HEV exposure leads to subclinical effects that can influence liver health. We determined the association between HEV IgM and ALT and that of HEV IgG and Fib-4-a composite score reflecting potential liver fibrosis. These analyses were repeated in populations at risk for liver disease as well as among different races and ethnicities. The prevalence of HEV IgG was significantly associated with age as IgG positive individuals were, on average, 20 years older than IgG negative patients. We found a statistically significant increase in the likelihood of having a Fib-4 score >1.45 (significant fibrosis) in those positive for HEV IgG (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05). However, due to the small effect, it is unlikely that this association has clinical significance. Moreover, the effect was not present in those with pre-existing liver disease. We found no association between ALT levels and the presence of HEV IgM or IgG. This is the first study examining subclinical effects of HEV infection in the United States. Our study found that in the general US population, predominantly asymptomatic HEV infections do not contribute to the overall burden of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chimaobi Anugwom
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Jose D Debes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, and Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Abstract
Progesterone is crucial for the maintenance of pregnancy. During pregnancy hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is associated with increased fulminant hepatic failure and mortality rates. In this study, we determined whether progesterone modulates HEV replication and HEV-induced innate cytokine response in Huh7-S10-3 human liver cells. We first demonstrated that Huh7-S10-3 liver cells expressed SH3-domain-containing progesterone receptor membrane component (PGRMC)1/2 receptors involved in the progesterone nonclassical signaling pathway, while the classical progesterone receptor isoforms progesterone receptor-A and -B protein levels were undetectable. We showed that the genotype 3 HEV (strain P6) induced mRNA expression of type III interferon (IFN-λ1), but not other innate cytokines in Huh7-S10-3 cells. Pretreatment with progesterone at concentrations of 80 nM, 160 nM, or 480 nM, which are the physiological concentrations typically seen in the first- to third-trimester during pregnancy, significantly increased HEV replication in Huh7-S10-3 cells. However, pretreatment of cells with progesterone (80 nM) did not affect the level of HEV-induced IFN-λ1 mRNA expression. We further showed that loss of PGRMC1/2 receptors by small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown leads to an increase in HEV-induced IFN-λ1 expression levels at early time points via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway and thus resulted in a reduced level of HEV replication. Collectively, the results indicated that progesterone-mediated modulation of HEV replication in human liver cells is plausibly through SH3-domain containing proteins such as PGRMC1/2, but not likely through immunomodulation of HEV-induced interferon response in liver cells. The results have important implications in understanding the underlying mechanisms of high mortality and fulminant hepatitis in HEV-infected pregnant women.
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Arnaboldi S, Righi F, Carta V, Bonardi S, Pavoni E, Bianchi A, Losio MN, Filipello V. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Spread and Genetic Diversity in Game Animals in Northern Italy. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:146-153. [PMID: 33630244 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09467-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E, an emerging public health infection which has an increasing incidence across Europe. Because of the apparent lack of species barriers, HEV was characterized as a zoonotic agent. Swine are recognized as the main reservoir, but HEV is also found in wild animals such as ungulates, lagomorphs, and bats. Our work aimed at detecting the HEV presence in wild fauna in two hunting areas of Northern Italy (Parma and Sondrio areas) with different environmental and anthropic characteristics to investigate its possible role as reservoir. Liver samples were collected from wild boars, red deer, roe deer and chamois, and viral identification was carried out by One-Step RT Real-time PCR. Positive samples were genotyped, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. The virus was found only in the wild boar population, with different prevalence and subtypes in the two areas (14% HEV3a and 1.2% close to HEV3f in Parma and Sondrio, respectively). Wild ruminants seem otherwise to pose a marginal risk. Given the high pig farm density in the Parma area, and expansion of the wild boar population, continuous monitoring of the strains circulating in wildlife is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Arnaboldi
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Righi
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Carta
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonardi
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università degli Studi di Parma, 43100, Parma, Italy
| | - Enrico Pavoni
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bianchi
- Lombardy Territorial Area Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), 23100, Sondrio, Italy
| | - Marina Nadia Losio
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Filipello
- Department of Food Safety, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), via A. Bianchi 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy.
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), National Reference Centre for Emerging Risks in Food Safety (CRESA), 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Tripathy AS, Sharma M, Thorat NC, Jadhav S, Koshatwar KA. An outbreak of hepatitis E in Yavatmal, India, 2019. J Med Virol 2021; 93:3761-3768. [PMID: 33617043 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E, a public health concern in developing countries, frequently presents in epidemic, as well as in sporadic forms. This study investigated an outbreak of viral hepatitis at Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India in March 2019. Blood samples from 10 patients were received at Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology, Pune to test for the presence of enterically transmitted hepatitis viruses. Subsequently, 49 suspected cases were screened for anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV)/hepatitis A virus (HAV) immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, alanine amino-transferase levels and HEV RNA. Water samples were screened for HEV and HAV RNA followed by phylogenetic analysis. Overall 32 of 49 (65.3%) suspected cases had recent acute HEV infection, while dual infection with HAV was noted in one case (2.04%). Forty-eight of 49 suspected cases were positive for anti-HAV IgG antibodies indicative of previously acquired immunity against HAV. Water samples had evidence of HEV contamination as detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Sequencing of HEV RNA from both patients (n = 2) and water samples (n = 5) indicated HEV genotype 1 to be the etiological agent of this outbreak. Serological and molecular evidence confirmed HEV as the etiology. Mixing of contaminated drain water with the domestic water supply may have triggered this outbreak. Subsequent changing of the defaulted water pipelines and its segregation from drain pipelines by the health authorities resulted in progressive decline of this outbreak. Despite the limitations, periodic surveillance of HEV exposure pattern and reporting of small outbreaks would supplement to the global disease burden data of hepatitis E.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha S Tripathy
- Hepatitis Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Meenal Sharma
- Hepatitis Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Neeta C Thorat
- Hepatitis Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Santosh Jadhav
- Hepatitis Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Treagus S, Wright C, Baker-Austin C, Longdon B, Lowther J. The Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus to Humans. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:127-145. [PMID: 33738770 PMCID: PMC8116281 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes over 20 million cases worldwide. HEV is an emerging and endemic pathogen within economically developed countries, chiefly resulting from infections with genotype 3 (G3) HEV. G3 HEV is known to be a zoonotic pathogen, with a broad host range. The primary source of HEV within more economically developed countries is considered to be pigs, and consumption of pork products is a significant risk factor and known transmission route for the virus to humans. However, other foods have also been implicated in the transmission of HEV to humans. This review consolidates the information available regarding transmission of HEV and looks to identify gaps where further research is required to better understand how HEV is transmitted to humans through food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Treagus
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK.
| | | | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - James Lowther
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
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Garsow AV, Campbell E, Closs G, Kowalcyk BB. Food Safety Challenges in Refugee Camps: What Do We Know? J Food Prot 2021; 84:876-884. [PMID: 33411925 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-20-316] [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] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Refugee camps provide basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medical treatment for displaced persons. Unsanitary conditions in refugee camps due to overcrowding, poor sanitation systems, lack of clean water, and minimal ways to cook and store food can lead to an increased risk of foodborne illness. This article reviews the limited literature on the epidemiology of foodborne illness in refugee camps, effective risk mitigation strategies, and opportunities for future research. Eleven relevant articles were identified, suggesting that research in this area is limited. Identified research focused on three pathogens-Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella, and hepatitis E virus-that can cause serious diseases such as cholera, salmonellosis, typhoid fever, and hepatitis E. Storage and handling of clean water for personal hygiene and food preparation were critical components for ensuring food safety. Knowledge pertaining to best practices for hygiene and food preparation also were identified as important. Gaps in current research include determination of the prevalence of pathogens in food sold in refugee camps and development of culturally relevant food safety supply chain quality management systems. More research that focuses on burden and attribution of foodborne illness and food safety interventions in refugee camps is necessary. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Campbell
- Department of Food Science and Technology.,(ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7562-5035 [E.C.])
| | - Gary Closs
- Department of Food Science and Technology
| | - Barbara B Kowalcyk
- Department of Food Science and Technology.,Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
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Bulka CM, Avula V, Fry RC. Associations of exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances individually and in mixtures with persistent infections: Recent findings from NHANES 1999-2016. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116619. [PMID: 33578314 PMCID: PMC7957906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Certain viruses and parasites can cause persistent infections that often co-occur and have been associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Separate lines of research indicate exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) suppress the immune system. We hypothesized that PFAS exposures might systematically increase susceptibility to persistent infections resulting in a higher pathogen burden. We used data from 8778 individuals (3189 adolescents, 5589 adults) in the nationally-representative U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2016 to examine cross-sectional associations between serum concentrations of four highly detected PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA) with the presence of antibodies to cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis C and E, herpes simplex 1 and 2, HIV, T. gondii, and Toxocara spp. Seropositivity was summed to calculate a pathogen burden score reflecting the total number of infections. Separate survey-weighted multivariable regression models were fitted to analyze PFAS individually and quantile g-computation was used to analyze PFAS mixtures. Among adolescents, 38.7% had at least one persistent infection while 14.9% had two or more; among adults, these percentages were 48.0% and 19.7%. Each PFAS was individually associated with significantly higher pathogen burdens and the most pronounced associations were observed in adolescents [e.g., among adolescents, a doubling of PFOS was associated with 30% (95% CI: 25-36%) higher pathogen burden]. Quantile g-computation revealed PFAS mixtures as a whole were also associated with higher pathogen burdens. Taken together, these results suggest PFAS exposure may increase susceptibility to and foster the clustering of persistent infections, particularly among adolescents. Since persistent infections are important contributors to long-term health, prospective data are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Bulka
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Vennela Avula
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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