1
|
Thornton CS, Waddell BJ, Congly SE, Svishchuk J, Somayaji R, Fatovich L, Isaac D, Doucette K, Fonseca K, Drews SJ, Borlang J, Osiowy C, Parkins MD. Porcine-derived pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy may be linked to chronic hepatitis E virus infection in cystic fibrosis lung transplant recipients. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2023-330602. [PMID: 38621922 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In high-income countries hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an uncommonly diagnosed porcine-derived zoonoses. After identifying disproportionate chronic HEV infections in persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) postlung transplant, we sought to understand its epidemiology and potential drivers. DESIGN All pwCF post-transplant attending our regional CF centre were screened for HEV. HEV prevalence was compared against non-transplanted pwCF and with all persons screened for suspected HEV infection from 2016 to 2022 in Alberta, Canada. Those with chronic HEV infection underwent genomic sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Owing to their swine derivation, independently sourced pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) capsules were screened for HEV. RESULTS HEV seropositivity was similar between transplanted and non-transplanted pwCF (6/29 (21%) vs 16/83 (19%); p=0.89). Relative to all other Albertans investigated for HEV as a cause of hepatitis (n=115/1079, 10.7%), pwCF had a twofold higher seropositivity relative risk and this was four times higher than the Canadian average. Only three chronic HEV infection cases were identified in all of Alberta, all in CF lung transplant recipients (n=3/29, 10.3%). Phylogenetics confirmed cases were unrelated porcine-derived HEV genotype 3a. Ninety-one per cent of pwCF were taking PERT (median 8760 capsules/person/year). HEV RNA was detected by RT-qPCR in 44% (47/107) of PERT capsules, and sequences clustered with chronic HEV cases. CONCLUSION PwCF had disproportionate rates of HEV seropositivity, regardless of transplant status. Chronic HEV infection was evident only in CF transplant recipients. HEV may represent a significant risk for pwCF, particularly post-transplant. Studies to assess HEV incidence and prevalence in pwCF, and potential role of PERT are required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Thornton
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Barbara J Waddell
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen E Congly
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julianna Svishchuk
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ranjani Somayaji
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Linda Fatovich
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Debra Isaac
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Karen Doucette
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kevin Fonseca
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Steven J Drews
- Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jamie Borlang
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Carla Osiowy
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael D Parkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alexandrova R, Tsachev I, Kirov P, Abudalleh A, Hristov H, Zhivkova T, Dyakova L, Baymakova M. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection Among Immunocompromised Individuals: A Brief Narrative Review. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:1021-1040. [PMID: 38505248 PMCID: PMC10948336 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s449221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus that belongs to Hepeviridae family. HEV is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are estimated 20 million HEV infections worldwide every year, leading to estimated 3.3 million symptomatic cases of HEV infection. The WHO estimates that HEV infection caused approximately 44,000 deaths in 2015, which represents 3.3% of mortality rates due to viral hepatitis. In low-income (LI) countries and lower-middle-income (LMI) countries, HEV is a waterborne infection induced by HEV genotype (gt) 1 and HEV gt 2 that cause large outbreaks and affect young individuals with a high mortality rate in pregnant women from South Asian countries and patients with liver diseases. HEV gt 3, HEV gt 4, and HEV gt 7 are responsible for sporadic infections with zoonotic transmission mainly through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from different animals. Acute HEV infection is relatively asymptomatic or mild clinical form, in rare cases the disease can be moderate/severe clinical forms and result in fulminant hepatitis or acute liver failure (ALF). Furthermore, HEV infection is associated with extrahepatic manifestations, including renal and neurological clinical signs and symptoms. Pregnant women, infants, older people, immunocompromised individuals, patients with comorbidities, and workers who come into close contact with HEV-infected animals are recognized as major risk groups for severe clinical form of HEV infection and fatal outcome. Chronic HEV infection can occur in immunocompromised individuals with the possibility of progression to cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radostina Alexandrova
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Plamen Kirov
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Abedulkadir Abudalleh
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Hristov
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Zhivkova
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lora Dyakova
- Department of Synaptic Signaling and Communication, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mohamed I, Sanders K, Hillebrand DJ. Chronic Hepatitis E Virus Manifesting as Elevated Transaminases in a Heart Transplant Patient. ACG Case Rep J 2024; 11:e01308. [PMID: 38524259 PMCID: PMC10959561 DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. Genotypes 1 and 2 cause acute hepatitis in endemic regions (Asia and Africa), whereas genotypes 3 and 4 (America and Europe) result in sporadic acute or chronic hepatitis, specifically in certain groups. HEV infections are rising because of increased transplantation rates and immunosuppression. We report a 75-year-old heart transplant patient with nonspecific symptoms, diagnosed with HEV chronic hepatitis. Despite ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia, the patient achieved sustained virological response and normalization of liver enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Islam Mohamed
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Kimberly Sanders
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Donald J. Hillebrand
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City, KS
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zicker M, Pinho JRR, Welter EAR, Guardia BD, da Silva PGTM, da Silveira LB, Camargo LFA. The Risk of Reinfection or Primary Hepatitis E Virus Infection at a Liver Transplant Center in Brazil: An Observational Cohort Study. Viruses 2024; 16:301. [PMID: 38400077 PMCID: PMC10893537 DOI: 10.3390/v16020301] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus is a major etiological agent of chronic hepatitis in immunosuppressed individuals. Seroprevalence in the liver transplantation setting varies according to the seroprevalence of the general population in different countries. This was a prospective cohort study of liver transplant recipients in southeastern Brazil. Recipients were systematically followed for one year, with the objective of determining the prevalence, incidence, and natural history of HEV infection in this population. We included 107 liver transplant recipients and 83 deceased donors. Positivity for anti-HEV IgG was detected in 10.2% of the recipients and in 9.7% of the donors. None of the patients tested positive for HEV RNA at baseline or during follow-up. There were no episodes of reactivation or seroconversion, even in cases of serological donor-recipient mismatch or in recipients with acute hepatitis. Acute and chronic HEV infections seem to be rare events in the region studied. That could be attributable to social, economic, and environmental factors. Our data indicate that, among liver transplant recipients, hepatitis E should be investigated only when there are elevated levels of transaminases with no defined cause, as part of the differential diagnosis of seronegative hepatitis after transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Zicker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil;
| | - João R. R. Pinho
- Research and Development Sector, Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Eliane A. R. Welter
- Research and Development Sector, Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca D. Guardia
- Liver Transplant Program, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luís F. A. Camargo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil;
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05653-120, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Arce LP, Pavan MF, Bok M, Gutiérrez SE, Estein SM, Santos AT, Condorí WE, Uhart MM, Parreño V, Vizoso-Pinto MG, Ibañez LI. A multispecies competitive nanobody-based ELISA for the detection of antibodies against hepatitis E virus. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15448. [PMID: 37723180 PMCID: PMC10507121 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41955-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emergent zoonotic virus causing viral hepatitis worldwide. Clinically, hepatitis E is not easily distinguished from other types of acute viral hepatitis. There is a need for HEV diagnostic assays to detect and prevent interspecies transmission among susceptible populations. Nanobodies (Nbs) are expressed recombinantly in different systems, produced with high yields, and have superior physicochemical properties compared with conventional antibodies (Ab). Several Nbs against ORF2, the capsid protein and main antigen, were selected and produced in E. coli. Nb39 and Nb74 specifically recognized HEV ORF2 (genotypes 3 and 4). A competitive ELISA (cELISA) was developed and validated using a reference panel of human (n = 86) and swine sera (n = 116) tested in comparison with a commercial kit. The optimal cutoff values determined by ROC analysis were 69.16% (human) and 58.76% (swine); the sensitivity and specificity were high: 97.4% (95% CI 86.5-99.5%) and 95.8% (95% CI 86.0-98.8%) for human vs. 100% (95% CI 93.5-100%) and 98.3% (95% CI 91.0-99.7%) for swine. Further, the cELISA detected total anti-HEV antibodies in wild boar, deer, and mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of production of Nbs against HEV-3 ORF2 for diagnostic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Paola Arce
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET-UNT, T4000ILI, Tucumán, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería de Anticuerpos, Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medio ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE-CONICET), C1428EGA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Pavan
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería de Anticuerpos, Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medio ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE-CONICET), C1428EGA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Bok
- IncuINTA, Instituto de Virología, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 1686, Husrlingham, Argentina
| | - Silvina Elena Gutiérrez
- Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Núcleo SAMP, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), B7000GHG, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Marcela Estein
- Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Núcleo SAMP, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), B7000GHG, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agostina Tammone Santos
- Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Núcleo SAMP, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), B7000GHG, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Ezequiel Condorí
- Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Núcleo SAMP, Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET), B7000GHG, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela María Uhart
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Viviana Parreño
- IncuINTA, Instituto de Virología, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), 1686, Husrlingham, Argentina
| | - María Guadalupe Vizoso-Pinto
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO), CONICET-UNT, T4000ILI, Tucumán, Argentina.
| | - Lorena Itatí Ibañez
- Laboratorio de Ingeniería de Anticuerpos, Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medio ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE-CONICET), C1428EGA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bansal SB, Ramasubramanian V, Prasad N, Saraf N, Soman R, Makharia G, Varughese S, Sahay M, Deswal V, Jeloka T, Gang S, Sharma A, Rupali P, Shah DS, Jha V, Kotton CN. South Asian Transplant Infectious Disease Guidelines for Solid Organ Transplant Candidates, Recipients, and Donors. Transplantation 2023; 107:1910-1934. [PMID: 36749281 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
These guidelines discuss the epidemiology, screening, diagnosis, posttransplant prophylaxis, monitoring, and management of endemic infections in solid organ transplant (SOT) candidates, recipients, and donors in South Asia. The guidelines also provide recommendations for SOT recipients traveling to this region. These guidelines are based on literature review and expert opinion by transplant physicians, surgeons, and infectious diseases specialists, mostly from South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) as well as transplant experts from other countries. These guidelines cover relevant endemic bacterial infections (tuberculosis, leptospirosis, melioidosis, typhoid, scrub typhus), viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E; rabies; and the arboviruses including dengue, chikungunya, Zika, Japanese encephalitis), endemic fungal infections (mucormycosis, histoplasmosis, talaromycosis, sporotrichosis), and endemic parasitic infections (malaria, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, strongyloidiasis, and filariasis) as well as travelers' diarrhea and vaccination for SOT candidates and recipients including travelers visiting this region. These guidelines are intended to be an overview of each topic; more detailed reviews are being published as a special supplement in the Indian Journal of Transplantation .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Bihari Bansal
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation, Medanta Institute of Kidney and Urology Medanta-Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | | | - Narayan Prasad
- Department of Nephrology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Neeraj Saraf
- Department of Hepatology, Medanta, Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | - Rajeev Soman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Govind Makharia
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India
| | - Santosh Varughese
- Department of Nephrology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manisha Sahay
- Department of Nephrology, Osmania Medical College, and Hospital, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vikas Deswal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medanta, Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | - Tarun Jeloka
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Sishir Gang
- Department of Nephrology, Muljibhai Patel Urological Hospital, Nadiad, Gujrat, India
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Priscilla Rupali
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dibya Singh Shah
- Department of Nephrology and Transplant Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University of Teaching hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Camille Nelson Kotton
- Transplant and Immunocompromised Host Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kosuta I, Ostojic A, Vujaklija Brajkovic A, Babel J, Simunov B, Sremac M, Mrzljak A. Shifting perspectives in liver diseases after kidney transplantation. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:883-896. [PMID: 37547033 PMCID: PMC10401415 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i7.883] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases after kidney transplantation range from mild biochemical abnormalities to severe hepatitis or cirrhosis. The causes are diverse and mainly associated with hepatotropic viruses, drug toxicity and metabolic disorders. Over the past decade, the aetiology of liver disease in kidney recipients has changed significantly. These relates to the use of direct-acting antiviral agents against hepatitis C virus, the increasing availability of vaccination against hepatitis B and a better understanding of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. In addition, the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has brought new challenges to kidney recipients. This review aims to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of recent advances in the management of liver complications in kidney recipients and to enable them to make informed decisions regarding the risks and impact of liver disease in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iva Kosuta
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ana Ostojic
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Transplant Center, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ana Vujaklija Brajkovic
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Jaksa Babel
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Bojana Simunov
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Merkur, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Maja Sremac
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Transplant Center, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Anna Mrzljak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Transplant Center, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu E, Koch N, Bachmann F, Schulz M, Seelow E, Weber U, Waiser J, Halleck F, Faber M, Bock CT, Eckardt KU, Budde K, Hofmann J, Nickel P, Choi M. Risk Factors for Hepatitis E Virus Infection and Eating Habits in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Pathogens 2023; 12:850. [PMID: 37375540 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060850] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a significant risk for ongoing and treatment-resistant courses of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in patients after solid organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the development of hepatitis E, including the dietary habits of patients. We conducted a retrospective single-center study with 59 adult kidney and combined kidney transplant recipients who were diagnosed with HEV infection between 2013 and 2020. The outcomes of HEV infections were analyzed during a median follow-up of 4.3 years. Patients were compared with a control cohort of 251 transplant patients with elevated liver enzymes but without evidence of an HEV infection. Patients' alimentary exposures during the time before disease onset or diagnosis were assessed. Previous intense immunosuppression, especially treatment with high-dose steroids and rituximab, was a significant risk factor to acquire hepatitis E after solid organ transplantation. Only 11 out of 59 (18.6%) patients reached remission without further ribavirin (RBV) treatment. A total of 48 patients were treated with RBV, of which 19 patients (39.6%) had either viral rebounds after the end of treatment or did not reach viral clearance at all. Higher age (>60 years) and a BMI ≤ 20 kg/m2 were risk factors for RBV treatment failure. Deterioration in kidney function with a drop in eGFR (p = 0.046) and a rise in proteinuria was more common in patients with persistent hepatitis E viremia. HEV infection was associated with the consumption of undercooked pork or pork products prior to infection. Patients also reported processing raw meat with bare hands at home more frequently than the controls. Overall, we showed that the intensity of immunosuppression, higher age, a low BMI and the consumption of undercooked pork meat correlated with the development of hepatitis E.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Wu
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Koch
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Friederike Bachmann
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marten Schulz
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Evelyn Seelow
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Weber
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Waiser
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Halleck
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mirko Faber
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claus-Thomas Bock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Eckardt
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, and German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Labor Berlin, Charité-Vivantes GmbH, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Nickel
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mira Choi
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Golkocheva-Markova E, Ismailova C, Kevorkyan A, Raycheva R, Zhelyazkova S, Kotsev S, Pishmisheva M, Rangelova V, Stoyanova A, Yoncheva V, Tenev T, Gladnishka T, Trifonova I, Christova I, Dimitrov R, Bruni R, Ciccaglione AR. Age and Gender Trends in the Prevalence of Markers for Hepatitis E Virus Exposure in the Heterogeneous Bulgarian Population. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1345. [PMID: 37374127 DOI: 10.3390/life13061345] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the Bulgarian population remains underestimated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate age and gender trends in HEV prevalence in the heterogeneous Bulgarian population. Stored serum samples from blood donors and different patient sub-populations-kidney recipients (KR), patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), Lyme disease (LD), patients with liver involvement and a clinical diagnosis other than viral hepatitis A and E (non-AE), hemodialysis (HD) and HIV-positive patients (HIV)-were retrospectively investigated for markers of past and recent/ongoing HEV infection. The estimated overall seroprevalence of past infection was 10.6%, ranging from 5.9% to 24.5% for the sub-populations evaluated, while the seroprevalence of recent/ongoing HEV infection was 7.5%, ranging from 2.1% to 20.4%. The analysis of the individual sub-populations showed a different prevalence with respect to sex. In regard to age, the cohort effect was preserved, as a multimodal pattern was observed only for the GBS sub-population. Molecular analysis revealed HEV 3f and 3e. The type of the population is one of the main factors on which the anti-HEV prevalence depends, highlighting the need for the development of guidelines related to the detection and diagnosis of HEV infection with regard to specific patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elitsa Golkocheva-Markova
- NRL Hepatitis Viruses, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Chiydem Ismailova
- NRL Hepatitis Viruses, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ani Kevorkyan
- Department of Epidemiology and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ralitsa Raycheva
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Sashka Zhelyazkova
- Clinic of Nervous Diseases, University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Medical University, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stanislav Kotsev
- Department Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Pishmisheva
- Department Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Vanya Rangelova
- Department of Epidemiology and Disaster Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Asya Stoyanova
- NRL Enteroviruses, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Viliana Yoncheva
- NRL Hepatitis Viruses, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tencho Tenev
- NRL Hepatitis Viruses, Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Teodora Gladnishka
- NRL of Vector-Borne Infections, Listeria and Leptospires, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iva Trifonova
- NRL of Vector-Borne Infections, Listeria and Leptospires, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iva Christova
- NRL of Vector-Borne Infections, Listeria and Leptospires, Department of Microbiology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Roumen Dimitrov
- Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Roberto Bruni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu R, Tan C, Wu J, Xu Y, Li X, Zhong Z, Li S, Qiu Y, Feng B. Characterization of genotype IV hepatitis E virus-like particles expressed in E.coli. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15284. [PMID: 37095953 PMCID: PMC10122030 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15284] [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: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HEV (Hepatitis E virus) is an infectious disease transmitted between humans and animals, which poses a severe threat to the biological safety and property throughout the world. The disease is especially severe in patients with potential liver cirrhosis and women during pregnancy. There is no specific and thorough HEV treatment at present. The development of hepatitis E virus vaccine is vital to the prevention of viral hepatitis worldwide. Since HEV cannot grow adequately in vitro, vaccine developed by devitalized virus particles does not work. Exploration of HEV-like structures is essential for the development of functional vaccines against HEV infection. ORF2 encodes the structural proteins of HEV, some of which can automatically assemble into virus-like particles (VLP) in this experiment, the recombinant capsid protein p27 was expressed in E. coli and the VLP formed by p27 was used to immunize mice. The results showed that the VLP formed by recombinant P27 had similar particle size to that of HEV; the immune dose produced by p27 was positively correlated with the immune effect. Compared with other genetic engineering subunit vaccines, P27 protein has a better application prospect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rushi Liu
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Chufan Tan
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Junwen Wu
- Nanya Middle School of Changsha, Changsha, 410129, China
| | - Ye Xu
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Zhihong Zhong
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Sang Li
- Laboratory of Medical Molecular and Immunological Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yilan Qiu
- School of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Bo Feng
- The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, 410008, China
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Van Oosterwyck A, Lauwers N, Pauwels N, Vanuytsel T. Nutrition in intestinal transplantation: centre stage or supporting act? Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2023; 26:105-113. [PMID: 36728936 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Intestinal transplantation (ITx), whether isolated or combined with other organs, is now a valid treatment option in some patients with chronic intestinal failure or extensive venous mesenteric thrombosis. The aim in these patients is not only to restore nutritional autonomy, but also to minimize the risk of complications, both short and long term. Despite parenteral nutrition playing a central part in the management of intestinal failure patients, there are little data about the perioperative and postoperative nutritional management of ITx patients, due to small patient populations per centre. In this review, we collected the scientific data available to date. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we will bundle the limited scientific information about diet after intestinal and multivisceral transplantation combined with recommendations from our own clinical practice in 28 ITx patients in University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. We will discuss the immediate preoperative period, surgical complications necessitating dietary interventions and the late postoperative phase in a stable outpatient transplant recipient. SUMMARY Although no specific research has been done in the field of ITx, we can extrapolate some findings from other solid organ transplants. Prehabilitation might prove to be of importance; Preserving kidney and liver function in the pretransplant period should be pursued. Transition from parenteral to enteral and oral nutrition can be complex due to inherent surgical procedures and possible complications. Ultimately, the goal is to give patients nutritional autonomy, while also minimizing the risk of foodborne infections by teaching patients well tolerated food practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aude Van Oosterwyck
- Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation (LIFT)
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Nelle Pauwels
- Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation (LIFT)
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Leuven Intestinal Failure and Transplantation (LIFT)
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nashan B. Porcine cytomegalovirus in xenotransplantation: The new frontier in human transplantation? HEALTH CARE SCIENCE 2022; 1:11-13. [PMID: 38939358 PMCID: PMC11080633 DOI: 10.1002/hcs2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Björn Nashan
- Department of Organ Transplantation CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhuiChina
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Correia AL, Pimenta AC, Carias E, Guedes Marques M, Leal R, Rodrigues L, Santos L, Romãozinho C, Leitão J, Alves R, Figueiredo A. A Less Common Cause of Acute Hepatitis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Case Series. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:1278-1281. [PMID: 35768296 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality, representing an important global public health problem. Immunocompetent patients with acute hepatitis E can clear the infection spontaneously; however, in approximately two thirds of cases, immunosuppressed patients, such as kidney transplant (KT) recipients, fail to clear the HEV infection and develop chronic hepatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS We report 3 cases of HEV infection in KT patients. Two presented only with laboratory abnormalities and elevated liver enzymes, and 1 presented with symptomatic disease motivating hospital admission. None was able to clear the infection spontaneously, and they were all treated with ribavirin, accompanied with reduction of immunosuppressive drugs. Adverse effects of the treatment were reported in 2 patients, and in 1 case, a dose reduction was necessary. All patients responded to the treatment and have no current evidence of active disease. No alterations of basal kidney function during or related to the treatment were registered. DISCUSSION HEV screening in KT patients presenting with abnormal liver function of undetermined cause is fundamental, as it might have poorer outcomes in this specific population. The treatment with ribavirin seems to be safe and effective, although we must always be alert to potential side effects, maintaining a close follow-up of these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Correia
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ana Carolina Pimenta
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Carias
- Nephrology Department, University Hospital Center of Algarve, Algarve, Portugal
| | - Maria Guedes Marques
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rita Leal
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luís Rodrigues
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lídia Santos
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Romãozinho
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Leitão
- Internal Medicine Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Alves
- Nephrology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arnaldo Figueiredo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Urology and Renal Transplant Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Trongtorsak A, Chaisidhivej N, Yadav K, Kim J, Thongprayoon C, Cheungpasitporn W, Hansrivijit P. Hepatitis E virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Investig Med 2021; 70:853-858. [PMID: 34930797 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-002102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Although most patients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, its infection is generally underdiagnosed and overlooked. In immunocompromised patients, HEV infection can lead to acute liver failure and death. However, the clinical evidence of HEV infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients is scarce; thus, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of HEV infection in this population. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception through October 2020 to identify studies that reported the prevalence of HEV infection among HSCT recipients. HEV infections were confirmed by HEV-IgG/IgM or HEV-RNA assay. A total of 1977 patients from nine studies with a follow-up time up to 40 months were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of positive HEV-RNA was 3.0% (95% CI 2.3% to 4.0%). The pooled prevalence of positive HEV-IgG was 10.3% (95% CI 4.5% to 21.8%). The pooled prevalence of de novo HEV infection was 2.9% (95% CI 1.8% to 4.5%). Age and male gender were not associated with HEV-RNA or HEV-IgG positivity in the meta-regression analysis. In conclusion, the prevalence of HEV-IgG in HSCT recipients was about 10%, while the prevalence of HEV-RNA was only 3%. However, further studies that focus on the clinical outcomes in this population are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angkawipa Trongtorsak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amita Health Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Natapat Chaisidhivej
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kritika Yadav
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amita Health Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Jinah Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Panupong Hansrivijit
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kupke P, Werner JM. Hepatitis E Virus Infection-Immune Responses to an Underestimated Global Threat. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092281. [PMID: 34571931 PMCID: PMC8468229 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the main ubiquitous causes for developing an acute hepatitis. Moreover, chronification plays a predominant role in immunocompromised patients such as transplant recipients with more frequent severe courses. Unfortunately, besides reduction of immunosuppression and off-label use of ribavirin or pegylated interferon alfa, there is currently no specific anti-viral treatment to prevent disease progression. So far, research on involved immune mechanisms induced by HEV is limited. It is very difficult to collect clinical samples especially from the early phase of infection since this is often asymptomatic. Nevertheless, it is certain that the outcome of HEV-infected patients correlates with the strength of the proceeding immune response. Several lymphoid cells have been identified in contributing either to disease progression or achieving sustained virologic response. In particular, a sufficient immune control by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is necessary to prevent chronic viral replication. Especially the mechanisms underlying fulminant courses are poorly understood. However, liver biopsies indicate the involvement of cytotoxic T cells in liver damage. In this review, we aimed to highlight different parts of the lymphoid immune response against HEV and point out questions that remain unanswered regarding this underestimated global threat.
Collapse
|