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Salemane K, Coetzee LZ, Pocock G, Genthe B, Taylor MB, Mans J. Water-Based Epidemiological Investigation of Hepatitis E Virus in South Africa. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2024; 16:338-350. [PMID: 38613652 PMCID: PMC11422423 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-024-09596-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that exhibits great host diversity. The primary means of transmission of the virus in low- and middle-income countries is contaminated water, often due to a lack of access to proper sanitation, which leads to faecal contamination of water sources. Environmental surveillance is an important tool that can be used to monitor virus circulation and as an early warning system for outbreaks. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of HEV in wastewater, surface water (rivers and standpipe/ablution water), and effluent from a piggery in South Africa. A total of 536 water samples were screened for HEV using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Overall, 21.8% (117/536) of the wastewater, river, and ablution water samples tested positive for HEV, whereas 74.4% (29/39) of the samples from the piggery tested positive. Genotyping revealed sequences belonging to HEV genotypes 3 (98%, 53/54) and 4 (2%, 1/54), with subtypes 3c, 3f, and 4b being identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karabo Salemane
- Department of Medical Virology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Gezina, Pretoria, 0031, South Africa
| | - Leanne Z Coetzee
- , Waterlab, Techno Park, 23B De Havilland Cres, Persequor, Pretoria, 0020, South Africa
| | - Gina Pocock
- , Waterlab, Techno Park, 23B De Havilland Cres, Persequor, Pretoria, 0020, South Africa
| | - Bettina Genthe
- Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - Maureen B Taylor
- Department of Medical Virology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Gezina, Pretoria, 0031, South Africa
| | - Janet Mans
- Department of Medical Virology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Gezina, Pretoria, 0031, South Africa.
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Shrestha A, Basnet S, Kc S. Subclinical hepatitis E virus genotype 1 infection: The concept of "dynamic human reservoir". World J Hepatol 2024; 16:506-510. [PMID: 38689746 PMCID: PMC11056895 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i4.506] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is hyperendemic in South Asia and Africa accounting for half of total Global HEV burden. There are eight genotypes of HEV. Among them, the four common ones known to infect humans, genotypes 1 and 2 are prevalent in the developing world and genotypes 3 and 4 are causing challenge in the industrialized world. Asymptomatic HEV viremia in the general population, especially among blood donors, has been reported in the literature worldwide. The clinical implications related to this asymptomatic viremia are unclear and need further exploration. Detection of viremia due to HEV genotype 1 infection, apparently among healthy blood donors is also reported without much knowledge about its infection rate. Similarly, while HEV genotype 3 is known to be transmitted via blood transfusion in humans and has been subjected to screening in many European nations, instances of transmission have also been documented albeit without significant clinical consequences. Epidemiology of HEV genotype 1 in endemic areas often show waxing and waning pattern. Occasional sporadic occurrence of HEV infection interrupted by outbreaks have been frequently seen. In absence of known animal reservoir, where HEV exists in between outbreak is a mystery that needs further exploration. However, occurrence of asymptomatic HEV viremia due to HEV genotype 1 during epidemiologically quiescent period may explain that this phenomenon may act as a dynamic reservoir. Since HEV genotype 1 infection cannot cause chronicity, subclinical transient infection and transmission of virus might be the reason it sustains in interepidemic period. This might be the similar phenomenon with SARS COVID-19 corona virus infection which is circulating worldwide in distinct phases with peaks and plateaus despite vaccination against it. In view of existing evidence, we propose the concept of "Dynamic Human Reservoir." Quiescent subclinical infection of HEV without any clinical consequences and subsequent transmission may contribute to the existence of the virus in a community. The potential for transmitting HEV infection by asymptomatic HEV infected individuals by fecal shedding of virus has not been reported in literature. This missing link may be a key to Pandora's box in understanding epidemiology of HEV infection in genotype 1 predominant region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananta Shrestha
- Department of Hepatology, Alka Hospital, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Suresh Basnet
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Sudhamshu Kc
- Department of Hepatology, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal.
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Koyuncu A, Mapemba D, Ciglenecki I, Gurley ES, Azman AS. Setting a Course for Preventing Hepatitis E in Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Burden and Risk Factors. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab178. [PMID: 34113684 PMCID: PMC8186248 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for outbreaks of acute jaundice in Africa and Asia, many of which occur among displaced people or in crisis settings. Although an efficacious vaccine for HEV has been developed, we lack key epidemiologic data needed to understand how best to use the vaccine for hepatitis E control in endemic countries. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of articles published on hepatitis E in low-income and lower-middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify articles with data on anti-HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)G seroprevalence, outbreaks of HEV, or risk factors for HEV infection, disease, or death, and all relevant data were extracted. Using these data we describe the evidence around temporal and geographical distribution of HEV transmission and burden. We estimated pooled age-specific seroprevalence and assessed the consistency in risk factor estimates. RESULTS We extracted data from 148 studies. Studies assessing anti-HEV IgG antibodies used 18 different commercial assays. Most cases of hepatitis E during outbreaks were not confirmed. Risk factor data suggested an increased likelihood of current or recent HEV infection and disease associated with fecal-oral transmission of HEV, as well as exposures to blood and animals. CONCLUSIONS Heterogeneity in diagnostic assays used and exposure and outcome assessment methods hinder public health efforts to quantify burden of disease and evaluate interventions over time and space. Prevention tools such as vaccines are available, but they require a unified global strategy for hepatitis E control to justify widespread use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Mapemba
- South African Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Emily S Gurley
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew S Azman
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Abstract
While the majority of worldwide hepatitis E viral (HEV) infections that occur in people are from contaminated water or food sources, there has also been a steadily rising number of reported cases of transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) in blood donation recipients. For most, HEV infection is acute, self-limiting and asymptomatic. However, patients that are immunocompromised, especially transplant patients, are at much higher risk for developing chronic infections, which can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure, along with overall increased mortality. Because of the rising trend of HEV serological prevalence among the global population, and the fact that TT-HEV infection can cause serious clinical consequences among those patients most at need for blood donation, the need for screening for TT-HEV has been gaining in prominence as an important public health concern for both developing and developed countries. In the review, we summarise evidence for and notable cases of TT-HEV infections, the various aspects of HEV screening protocols and recent trends in the implementation of TT-HEV broad-based blood screening programmes.
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Yrondi A, Salles J, Péron JM, Sporer M, Taib S, Gallini A, Noilhan C, Dimeglio C, Entajan F, Crequy M, Izopet J, Schmitt L. The Prevalence of Hepatitis E in a Patient Cohort Presenting With Addictive Injection Behavior. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:832. [PMID: 31798477 PMCID: PMC6874121 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis E is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Seroprevalence is approximately 15% in developed countries, and 22% in France. hepatitis E virus (HEV) can be transmitted via transfusions and therefore possibly intravenous (IV) drug use. Hepatitis E serology is routinely tested in patients who seek medical advice for addictive injection behavior at the addiction treatment, support and prevention unit of Toulouse University Hospital. We assume that hepatitis E is more prevalent in patients presenting with addictive injection behavior than in the general French population. Methods: Hepatitis E serological assays [immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG] were carried out for all patients presenting with addictive injection behavior during an initial evaluation. The controls were taken from a cohort of 3,353 blood donors living in southern France and who donated blood during the first 2 weeks of October 2011. Results: We included 52 patients presenting with addictive injection behavior and 103 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and area of residence. We found no difference between patients and controls for the prevalence of hepatitis E: patients vs. healthy controls: positive IgGs: 42.31%, 95% confidence interval (CI) (28.73-56.80%) vs. 43.43%, 95% CI (33.50-53.77%) (p = 0.89) and positive IgMs: 3.85%, 95% CI (0.47-13.22%) vs. 4.85%, 95% CI (0.16-10.97%) (p = 0.57). Conclusion: There was no difference in HEV seroprevalence between IV drug users and the general population, suggesting that the IV route of HEV infection is not significant in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Yrondi
- Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale, Centre Expert Dépression Résistante FondaMental, CHU Toulouse, Hospital Purpan, ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Juliette Salles
- Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale, CHU de Toulouse, Hospital Purpan, Toulouse, France
- CSAPA Maurice Dide, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean Marie Péron
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Rangueil Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie Sporer
- Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale, CHU de Toulouse, Hospital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Simon Taib
- Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale, CHU Toulouse, Hospital Purpan, ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Adeline Gallini
- UMR1027, INSERM University of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Toulouse (University Hospital Centre), Toulouse, France
| | - Chloé Noilhan
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Toulouse (University Hospital Centre), Toulouse, France
| | - Chloé Dimeglio
- INSERM U1043—CNRS UMR5282—Toulouse University Paul Sabatier, CPTP, Toulouse, France
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Marie Crequy
- CSAPA Maurice Dide, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- INSERM U1043—CNRS UMR5282—Toulouse University Paul Sabatier, CPTP, Toulouse, France
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Toulouse, France
| | - Laurent Schmitt
- Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale, CHU de Toulouse, Hospital Purpan, Toulouse, France
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Long-term HEV carriers without antibody seroconversion among eligible immunocompetent blood donors. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:125. [PMID: 29977038 PMCID: PMC6033859 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0125-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is emerging as a potential threat to the safety of blood transfusions. In many countries and regions endemic for HEV, such as China, blood donors are not routinely tested for HEV infection. In this study, 11747 eligible blood donors were screened for anti-HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM)/immunoglobulin G (IgG) and HEV RNA and antigen in China. Twenty-four donors who were positive for both HEV antigen and RNA were followed for ≥ 70 days, and none of these donors reported clinical hepatitis or illness. At least 1 follow-up sample was provided by 17 donors, including 10 with viremia and/or antigenemia for ≥ 70 days and 3 with antigen and RNA positivity for >90 days. Fourteen of the 17 donors did not present with an obvious serologic response during the follow-up period. These results differed from previous reports, in which viremia lasted for 68 days and elicited an antibody response. These donors showed atypical HEV infection progression that differed from that of hepatitis E patients. The presence of these donors presents a challenge for transfusion transmission screening.
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Hepatitis E in High-Income Countries: What Do We Know? And What Are the Knowledge Gaps? Viruses 2018; 10:v10060285. [PMID: 29799485 PMCID: PMC6024799 DOI: 10.3390/v10060285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a positive-strand RNA virus transmitted by the fecal–oral route. HEV genotypes 1 and 2 infect only humans and cause mainly waterborne outbreaks. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are widely represented in the animal kingdom, and are mainly transmitted as a zoonosis. For the past 20 years, HEV infection has been considered an imported disease in developed countries, but now there is evidence that HEV is an underrecognized pathogen in high-income countries, and that the incidence of confirmed cases has been steadily increasing over the last decade. In this review, we describe current knowledge about the molecular biology of HEV, its clinical features, its main routes of transmission, and possible therapeutic strategies in developed countries.
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Dreier J, Knabbe C, Vollmer T. Transfusion-Transmitted Hepatitis E: NAT Screening of Blood Donations and Infectious Dose. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:5. [PMID: 29450199 PMCID: PMC5799287 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk and importance of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E virus (TT-HEV) infections by contaminated blood products is currently a controversial discussed topic in transfusion medicine. The infectious dose, in particular, remains an unknown quantity. In the present study, we illuminate and review this aspect seen from the viewpoint of a blood donation service with more than 2 years of experience in routine HEV blood donor screening. We systematically review the actual status of presently known cases of TT-HEV infections and available routine NAT-screening assays. The review of the literature revealed a significant variation regarding the infectious dose causing hepatitis E. We also present the outcome of six cases confronted with HEV-contaminated blood products, identified by routine HEV RNA screening of minipools using the highly sensitive RealStar HEV RT-PCR Kit (95% LOD: 4.7 IU/mL). Finally, the distribution of viral RNA in different blood components [plasma, red blood cell concentrate (RBC), platelet concentrates (PC)] was quantified using the first WHO international standard for HEV RNA for NAT-based assays. None of the six patients receiving an HEV-contaminated blood product from five different donors (donor 1: RBC, donor 2–5: APC) developed an acute hepatitis E infection, most likely due to low viral load in donor plasma (<100 IU/mL). Of note, the distribution of viral RNA in blood components depends on the plasma content of the component; nonetheless, HEV RNA could be detected in RBCs even when low viral plasma loads of 100–1,000 IU/mL are present. Comprehensive retrospective studies of TT-HEV infection offered further insights into the infectivity of HEV RNA-positive blood products. Minipool HEV NAT screening (96 samples) of blood donations should be adequate as a routine screening assay to identify high viremic donors and will cover at least a large part of viremic phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Dreier
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Tanja Vollmer
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein- Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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Abstract
Background Hepatitis E (HE) caused by Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging global public health threat. It has been identified as potentially zoonotic and swine act as main reservoirs. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with HEV in swine abattoir workers. Methods This was a cross-sectional study where 45 workers were sampled (N=50), serum collected and tested for presence of anti HEV IgM using ELISA. Results A seroprevalence of 13.3% was obtained with the highest 50% among slaughterers and the lowest amongst sanitary cleaner, cloth cleaners and inspector. Those in direct contact with live pigs, their carcasses and tissues were at a higher risk compared to those in indirect contact. Seroprevalence was seen to increase with age, with the highest rate among those above 24 years. Conclusion There is silent HE virus infection in abattoir workers at Wambizi as reflected by presence anti HEV IgM in 13% of the tested serum. However, no single case of HE has ever been reported in swine abattoir workers or general population in Kampala city. This silent maintenance of HEV infection amongst swine abattoir workers is an occupational risk that could challenge public health systems.
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Hartl J, Wehmeyer MH, Pischke S. Acute Hepatitis E: Two Sides of the Same Coin. Viruses 2016; 8:E299. [PMID: 27827877 PMCID: PMC5127013 DOI: 10.3390/v8110299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The relevance of acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections has been underestimated for a long time. In the past, HEV infection had been interpreted falsely as a disease limited to the tropics until the relevance of autochthonous HEV infections in the Western world became overt. Due to increased awareness, the incidence of diagnosed autochthonous HEV infections (predominantly genotype 3) in industrialized countries has risen within the last decade. The main source of infections in industrialized countries seems to be infected swine meat, while infections with the tropical HEV genotypes 1 and 2 usually are mainly transmitted fecal-orally by contaminated drinking water. In the vast majority of healthy individuals, acute HEV infection is either clinically silent or takes a benign self-limited course. In patients who develop a symptomatic HEV infection, a short prodromal phase with unspecific symptoms is followed by liver specific symptoms like jaundice, itching, uncoloured stool and darkened urine. Importantly, tropical HEV infections may lead to acute liver failure, especially in pregnant women, while autochthonous HEV infections may lead to acute-on-chronic liver failure in patients with underlying liver diseases. Immunosuppressed individuals, such as transplant recipients or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, are at risk for developing chronic hepatitis E, which may lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in the long term. Importantly, specific treatment options for hepatitis E are not approved by the regulation authorities, but off-label ribavirin treatment seems to be effective in the treatment of chronic HEV-infection and may reduce the disease severity in patients suffering from acute liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hartl
- First Medical Department, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Malte H Wehmeyer
- First Medical Department, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Sven Pischke
- First Medical Department, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
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Khuroo MS, Khuroo MS, Khuroo NS. Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus in Developing Countries. Viruses 2016; 8:253. [PMID: 27657112 PMCID: PMC5035967 DOI: 10.3390/v8090253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), an RNA virus of the Hepeviridae family, has marked heterogeneity. While all five HEV genotypes can cause human infections, genotypes HEV-1 and -2 infect humans alone, genotypes HEV-3 and -4 primarily infect pigs, boars and deer, and genotype HEV-7 primarily infects dromedaries. The global distribution of HEV has distinct epidemiological patterns based on ecology and socioeconomic factors. In resource-poor countries, disease presents as large-scale waterborne epidemics, and few epidemics have spread through person-to-person contact; however, endemic diseases within these countries can potentially spread through person-to-person contact or fecally contaminated water and foods. Vertical transmission of HEV from infected mother to fetus causes high fetal and perinatal mortality. Other means of transmission, such as zoonotic transmission, can fluctuate depending upon the region and strain of the virus. For instance, zoonotic transmission can sometimes play an insignificant role in human infections, such as in India, where human and pig HEV infections are unrelated. However, recently China and Southeast Asia have experienced a zoonotic spread of HEV-4 from pigs to humans and this has become the dominant mode of transmission of hepatitis E in eastern China. Zoonotic HEV infections in humans occur by eating undercooked pig flesh, raw liver, and sausages; through vocational contact; or via pig slurry, which leads to environmental contamination of agricultural products and seafood. Lastly, blood transfusion-associated HEV infections occur in many countries and screening of donors for HEV RNA is currently under serious consideration. To summarize, HEV genotypes 1 and 2 cause epidemic and endemic diseases in resource poor countries, primarily spreading through contaminated drinking water. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 on the other hand, cause autochthonous infections in developed, and many developing countries, by means of a unique zoonotic food-borne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad S Khuroo
- Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir 190001, India.
- Digestive Diseases Centre, Dr. Khuroo's Medical Clinic, Srinagar, Kashmir 190010, India.
| | - Mehnaaz S Khuroo
- Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Kashmir 190001, India.
| | - Naira S Khuroo
- Digestive Diseases Centre, Dr. Khuroo's Medical Clinic, Srinagar, Kashmir 190010, India.
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Park WJ, Park BJ, Ahn HS, Lee JB, Park SY, Song CS, Lee SW, Yoo HS, Choi IS. Hepatitis E virus as an emerging zoonotic pathogen. J Vet Sci 2016; 17:1-11. [PMID: 27051334 PMCID: PMC4808633 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E outbreaks are a serious public health concern in developing countries. The disease causes acute infections, primarily in young adults. The mortality rate is approximately 2%; however, it can exceed 20% in pregnant women in some regions in India. The causative agent, hepatitis E virus (HEV), has been isolated from several animal species, including pigs. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 have been isolated from both humans and animals, and are recognized as zoonotic pathogens. Seroprevalence studies in animals and humans indirectly suggest that HEV infections occur worldwide. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans via undercooked animal meats in developed countries. Moreover, transfusion- and transplantation-mediated HEV infections have recently been reported. This review summarizes the general characteristics of hepatitis E, HEV infection status in animals and humans, the zoonotic transmission modes of HEV, and HEV vaccine development status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jung Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Hee-Seop Ahn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Joong-Bok Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Seung-Yong Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
| | - Han-Sang Yoo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - In-Soo Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
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Hepatitis E virus in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa region: an awareness of an infectious threat to blood safety. Infection 2015; 44:11-22. [PMID: 26112744 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-015-0807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is mainly transmitted through contaminated water supplies which make the virus endemic in developing countries including countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Recent reports suggest potential risk of HEV transmission via blood transfusion. METHODS Related articles on HEV were collected by searching through the 25 countries of the MENA region using Pubmed and Medline within the past 14 years: January 2000-August 2014. RESULTS One hundred articles were extracted, of which 25 were not eligible. The articles discussed the seroprevalence of HEV and HEV markers in 12 countries. Eight articles provided data on HEV in blood donors. The seroprevalence of HEV in the general MENA population ranged from 2.0 to 37.5% and was higher in males than in females. Prevalence increased with age, but exposure seems to be in early life. CONCLUSIONS In the MENA region, the role of HEV as an infectious threat to blood safety is under-investigated. More data are needed to quantify the risk of transmission and to assess clinical outcomes. This requires, at least, surveillance screening of donors and recipients for HEV markers using sensitive and specific serological tests. At the present time, serious consideration should be given to selective screening for certain groups of patients (e.g., immunocompromised, pregnant women and others) who commonly require blood transfusion and are at high risk of hepatic failure or chronicity from HEV infection.
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Pauli G, Aepfelbacher M, Bauerfeind U, Blümel J, Burger R, Gärtner B, Gröner A, Gürtler L, Heiden M, Hildebrandt M, Jansen B, Offergeld R, Schlenkrich U, Schottstedt V, Seitz R, Strobel J, Willkommen H, Baylis SA. Hepatitis E Virus. Transfus Med Hemother 2015; 42:247-65. [PMID: 26557817 DOI: 10.1159/000431191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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15
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Hepatitis E: an old infection with new implications. BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2014; 13:6-17. [PMID: 25369613 DOI: 10.2450/2014.0063-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a worldwide disease. An improved understanding of the natural history of HEV infection has been achieved within the last decade. Several reservoirs and transmission modes have been identified. Hepatitis E is an underdiagnosed disease, in part due to the use of serological assays with low sensitivity. However, diagnostic tools, including nucleic acid-based tests, have been improved. The epidemiology and clinical features of hepatitis E differ between developing and developed countries. HEV infection is usually an acute self-limiting disease, but in developed countries it causes chronic infection with rapidly progressive cirrhosis in organ transplant recipients, patients with hematological malignancy requiring chemotherapy, and individuals with HIV. HEV also causes extrahepatic manifestations, including a number of neurological syndromes and renal injury. Acute infection usually requires no treatment, but chronic infection should be treated by reducing immunosuppression in transplant patients and/or the use of antiviral therapy. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the current knowledge about the virus itself, as well as the epidemiology, diagnostics, natural history, and management of HEV infection in developing and developed countries.
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Junaid SA, Agina SE, Abubakar KA. Epidemiology and associated risk factors of hepatitis e virus infection in plateau state, Nigeria. Virology (Auckl) 2014; 5:15-26. [PMID: 25512696 PMCID: PMC4251053 DOI: 10.4137/vrt.s15422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A cross-sectional study in Nigeria was undertaken to determine the epidemiology, seroprevalence, and associated risk factors, of hepatitis E virus (HEV). A total of 462 subjects were used for the study, categorized into four groups: apparently healthy persons, pregnant women, HIV positive subjects, and animal handlers. Information was obtained from subjects using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 statistical software. The overall seroprevalence of IgG and IgM was 42.7 and 0.9%, respectively. Animal handlers had the highest seroprevalence (66.7%). The associated risk factors for IgM seroprevalence were rural dwelling (P = 0.039, odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7–15.4), blood transfusion (P < 0.001, OR 9.6, 95% CI 2.6–35.6), attending to animals (P = 0.032, OR 4.9, 95% CI 0.9–26.6), and waste disposal (P < 0.001). Factors associated with IgG were age (P = 0.044), location (P < 0.001), marital status (P < 0.001), formal education (P < 0.001), farming as occupation (P < 0.001), rural dwelling (P = 0.001), waste disposal (P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (P = 0.001, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–4.0), open defecation (P < 0.001, OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4–5.7), attending to animals (P < 0.001, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6–3.4), consuming unwashed fruits/vegetables (P < 0.001, OR 4.2, 95% CI 0.3–54.1), and stream/river as a source of drinking water (P < 0.001, OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6–7.8). Preventive public health measures should be reinforced among all communities, particularly domestic animal handlers and pregnant women. Potable water should be provided for all communities. Data suggest that HEV remains an under-recognized and significant public health problem, warranting further attention and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajudeen A Junaid
- Applied Microbiology Unit, Department of Plant Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria. ; Department of Medical Microbiology, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria
| | - Samuel E Agina
- Applied Microbiology Unit, Department of Plant Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria
| | - Khadijah A Abubakar
- Department of Medical Virology, Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria
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Beladi Mousavi SS, Motemednia F, Beladi Mousavi M. Epidemiology of hepatitis e virus infection in patients on chronic hemodialysis. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2014; 7:e6993. [PMID: 25147715 PMCID: PMC4138630 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.6993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Many studies have been done on the epidemiology of Hepatitis E on general population, but the data among patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) are few and give conflicting results. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and its relationship in ESRD patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on ESRD patients treated with HD in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz city, Southwest of Iran. Blood sampling of patients was collected immediately before the dialysis session and the serum were evaluated for anti-HEV IgG titers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 15 software was used for data analysis. Results: Out of 47 ESRD patients, 27 were male (57.4%) and 20 were female (42.6%), with mean age of 55.27 ± 8.1 years. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibody was 10.6 % (five patients, four male and one female). The mean age of HEV positive and negative patients were 58 ± 5.52 and 53.82 ± 15.55 years, respectively without any significant difference (P = 0.058). There also was no significant association between HEV and gender (P = 0.28). The mean time of HD in HEV positive and negative patients were 1224.2 and 1168.5 days, respectively with no significant association (P = 0.88). In addition, there also was no association between HEV and HCV (P = 0.61). Conclusions: According to the present study, the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibody was 10.63 % among chronic HD patients and there was no association between HEV, age, gender, duration of HD and HCV antibody titer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Seifollah Beladi Mousavi
- Chronic Renal Failure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Farzad Motemednia
- Chronic Renal Failure Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran
| | - Marzieh Beladi Mousavi
- Department of Chemistry, Islamic Azad University of Omidiyeh Branch, Omidiyeh, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Marzieh Beladi Mousavi, Department of Chemistry, Islamic Azad University, Omidiyeh Branch, Omidiyeh, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9163068063, Fax: +98-6112216504, E-mail:
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Gajjar MD, Bhatnagar NM, Sonani RV, Gupta S, Patel T. Hepatitis E seroprevalence among blood donors: A pilot study from Western India. Asian J Transfus Sci 2014; 8:29-31. [PMID: 24678170 PMCID: PMC3943141 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6247.126685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is emerging as a potential threat to blood safety after several cases of transmission by transfusion or transplantation have been described. Currently, blood donors in India are not screened for HEV. The studies conducted on HEV in recent times in India have focused on epidemiology and future perspectives, but there is no published study on blood donors. To address possible issues surrounding blood safety and risk of HEV transmission within the Indian blood supply, HEV seroprevalence study was conducted in blood donors at our center. Materials and Methods: A total of 460 male voluntary blood donors were selected for the study and after taking their written consent. Serum anti-HEV IgM was detected by Dia.Pro HEV kit (Diagnostic Bioprobes Srl, Milano, Italy). Results: The study population was composed of 460 male voluntary blood donors and their age ranged from 18 to 60 years with a mean age of 30.48 years. Out of 460 donors, 22 (4.78%) donors were tested positive for IgM anti-HEV and the mean value alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was 26.06 IU/L, the highest being 93.5 IU/L. Normal reference value of ALT in our center was 40 IU/L. Out of 22 anti-HEV positive donors, 19 (86.36%) had ALT values above 40 IU/L. Conclusion: HEV seroprevalence of 4.78% in our center. Though reports of HEV transmission through blood has been reported from various parts of the world, before making it as a mandatory screening test among blood donors in India, further studies with confirmatory assay of HEV need to be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitrey D Gajjar
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, B. J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Nidhi M Bhatnagar
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, B. J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Rajesh V Sonani
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, B. J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Shweta Gupta
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, B. J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Tarak Patel
- Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, B. J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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Hepatitis E virus: foodborne, waterborne and zoonotic transmission. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:4507-33. [PMID: 24071919 PMCID: PMC3823334 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10104507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for epidemics and endemics of acute hepatitis in humans, mainly through waterborne, foodborne, and zoonotic transmission routes. HEV is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus classified in the family Hepeviridae and encompasses four known Genotypes (1–4), at least two new putative genotypes of mammalian HEV, and one floating genus of avian HEV. Genotypes 1 and 2 HEVs only affect humans, while Genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic and responsible for sporadic and autochthonous infections in both humans and several other animal species worldwide. HEV has an ever-expanding host range and has been identified in numerous animal species. Swine serve as a reservoir species for HEV transmission to humans; however, it is likely that other animal species may also act as reservoirs. HEV poses an important public health concern with cases of the disease definitively linked to handling of infected pigs, consumption of raw and undercooked animal meats, and animal manure contamination of drinking or irrigation water. Infectious HEV has been identified in numerous sources of concern including animal feces, sewage water, inadequately-treated water, contaminated shellfish and produce, as well as animal meats. Many aspects of HEV pathogenesis, replication, and immunological responses remain unknown, as HEV is an extremely understudied but important human pathogen. This article reviews the current understanding of HEV transmission routes with emphasis on food and environmental sources and the prevalence of HEV in animal species with zoonotic potential in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Zekavat OR, Makarem A, Karami MY, Amanat A, Mohandes M, Habibagahi M. Serological investigation for hepatitis E virus infection in the patients with chronic maintenance hemodialysis from southwest of Iran. Asian J Transfus Sci 2013; 7:21-5. [PMID: 23559759 PMCID: PMC3613655 DOI: 10.4103/0973-6247.106724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A global distribution has been shown for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. Although the fecal-oral was considered as the primary infection route, there is controversial evidence for increased risk of the infection and consequent problems in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) with suppressed immunity. The aim is to find if the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG, in patients with maintenance HD is higher than normal population in southwest of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS During November and December 2010, in a cross-sectional study we compared the seroprevalence of HEV among 80 patients with maintenance HD and 276 healthy individuals from Jahrom and Shiraz, Southwest of Iran. In addition to the clinical and laboratory records, serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG anti-HEV antibody by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) test. The Chi-square, the Student's 't' and Fisher's exact tests were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS ELISA tests detected anti-HEV antibody in five males of the patients (6.3%) and in eight of the healthy controls (2.9%, 6 males and 2 female) which statistically were not different. The mean levels of the aspartate aminotransferase and the alanine aminotransferase in the sera of the patients were 19.96±11.08U/L and 23.93±14.26 IU/L, respectively. However, no one of the individuals with positive anti-HEV antibody showed elevated liver enzymes. Moreover, there was not a significant association between positive anti-HEV antibody result, age and the history of the hemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS We did not observe statistically significant higher anti-HEV prevalence among patients with chronic HD; however, more safety precaution is needed to keep HD patients from the risk of possible exposure to HEV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid R Zekavat
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Abstract
The lack of an efficient cell culture system for hepatitis E virus (HEV) has greatly hampered detailed analyses of this virus. The first efficient cell culture systems for HEV that were developed were capable of secreting infectious HEV progenies in high titers into culture media, using PLC/PRF/5 cells derived from human hepatocellular carcinoma and A549 cells derived from human lung cancer as host cells. The success achieved with the original genotype 3 JE03-1760F strain has now been extended to various HEV strains in fecal and serum samples obtained from hepatitis E patients and to HEV strains in fecal and serum samples and liver tissues obtained from pigs and wild boar across species barriers. In addition, infectious HEV cDNA clones of the wild-type JE03-1760F strain and its variants have been engineered. Cell culture-generated HEV particles and those in circulating blood were found to be associated with lipids and open reading frame 3 (ORF3) protein, thereby likely contributing to the assembly and release of HEV from infected cells both in vivo and in vitro. The ORF3 protein interacts with the tumor susceptibility gene 101, a critical cellular protein required for the budding of enveloped viruses, through the Pro, Ser, Ala, and Pro (PSAP) motif in infected cells; ORF3 is co-localized with multivesicular bodies (MVBs) in the cytoplasm of infected cells, thus suggesting that HEV requires the MVB pathway for the egress of virus particles. This article reviews the development of efficient cell culture systems for a wide variety of infectious HEV strains obtained from humans, pigs, and wild boar, and also provides details of a new model for virion egress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke Tochigi, 329-0498 Japan
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Kaba M, Moal V, Gérolami R, Colson P. Epidemiology of mammalian hepatitis E virus infection. Intervirology 2013; 56:67-83. [PMID: 23343760 DOI: 10.1159/000342301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian hepatitis E virus (HEV), the etiological agent of hepatitis E in humans, is a recently discovered infectious agent. It was identified for the first time in 1983 using electron microscopy on a faecal specimen of a person infected with non-A, non-B enterically-transmitted hepatitis. Based on retrospective and prospective studies, HEV was long described as one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis in tropical and subtropical countries, whereas in developed countries hepatitis E was considered an imported disease from HEV hyperendemic countries. Data from studies conducted during the past decade have greatly shifted our knowledge on the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of HEV. Recently, it has been shown that contrary to previous beliefs, hepatitis E is also an endemic disease in several developed countries, particularly in Japan and in Europe, as evidenced by reports of high anti-HEV immunoglobulin G prevalence in healthy individuals and an increasing number of non-travel-related acute hepatitis E cases. Moreover, a porcine reservoir and growing evidence of zoonotic transmission have been reported in these countries. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the epidemiology and prevention of transmission of mammalian HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamadou Kaba
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198 INSERM U1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Facultés de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Marseille, France
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Anand AC, Singh KJ, Sharma P, Kumar S, Gupta RM. Incidence of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Recipients of Blood or Blood Products Transfusion. Med J Armed Forces India 2010; 66:204-7. [PMID: 27408301 DOI: 10.1016/s0377-1237(10)80037-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 04/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E, generally known to be transmitted faeco-orally, has been shown to have significant transmission by blood borne route. Paucity of data on asymptomatic viremia in blood donors and higher incidence of Hepatitis E in haemodialysis patients and thalassemics mandate a prospective study of blood recipients to elucidate the exact incidence and natural history of post transfusion Hepatitis E. METHODS A total of 2000 recipients of blood or blood products transfusion were followed up for two months to detect development of post transfusion Hepatitis E, by clinical examination, transaminases and immunoglobulin M anti hepatitis E virus (IgM anti HEV). Estimation of hepatitis E virus ribonucleic acid (HEV RNA) was done in patients with elevated levels of transaminases. RESULT Out of 2000 patients, 5(0.25%) were positive for IgM anti HEV at the time of transfusion and were excluded from the study. Rest of 1995 patients were followed up for two months post transfusion. A total of 1303 (65.3%) patients were followed up for two months and 1636 (82.0%) patients at least once in two visits. None of the followed up patients reported development of jaundice or had clinically evident hepatitis, although 62 patients had raised transaminases detected at either one or both the visits. CONCLUSION All followed up patients were tested for IgM anti HEV at both the visits and none were found to be positive. Patients with raised transaminases were subjected to HEV RNA and all were found to be negative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - P Sharma
- Clinical Tutor (Dept of Internal Medicine); AFMC, Pune-40
| | - S Kumar
- Associate Professor (Dept of Transfusion Medicine); AFMC, Pune-40
| | - R M Gupta
- Associate Professor (Dept of Microbiology); AFMC, Pune-40
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Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) strains in serum samples can replicate efficiently in cultured cells despite the coexistence of HEV antibodies: characterization of HEV virions in blood circulation. J Clin Microbiol 2010; 48:1112-25. [PMID: 20107086 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02002-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently developed a cell culture system for hepatitis E virus (HEV) in PLC/PRF/5 and A549 cells, using fecal specimens from HEV-infected patients. Since transfusion-associated hepatitis E has been reported, we examined PLC/PRF/5 and A549 cells for the ability to support replication of HEV in various serum samples obtained from 23 patients with genotype 1, 3, or 4 HEV. HEV progenies emerged in culture media of PLC/PRF/5 cells, regardless of the coexistence of HEV antibodies in serum but dependent on the load of HEV inoculated (31% at 2.0 x 10(4) copies per well and 100% at >or=3.5 x 10(4) copies per well), and were successfully passaged in A549 cells. HEV particles in serum, with or without HEV antibodies, banded at a sucrose density of 1.15 to 1.16 g/ml, which was markedly lower than that for HEV particles in feces, at 1.27 to 1.28 g/ml, and were nonneutralizable by immune sera in this cell culture system. An immuno-capture PCR assay of HEV virions treated with or without detergent indicated that HEV particles in serum are associated with lipids and HEV ORF3 protein, similar to those in culture supernatant. By immunoprecipitation, it was found that >90% of HEV particles in the circulation exist as free virions not complexed with immunoglobulins, despite the coexistence of HEV antibodies. These results suggest that our in vitro cell culture system can be used for propagation of a wide variety of HEV strains in sera from various infected patients, allowing extended studies on viral replication specific to different HEV strains.
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Pauli G, Blümel J, Burger R, Drosten C, Gröner A, Gürtler L, Heiden M, Hildebrandt M, Jansen B, Klamm H, Montag-Lessing T, Offergeld R, Seitz R, Schlenkrich U, Schottstedt V, Willkommen H, Wirsing von König CH. Hepatitis E Virus. Transfus Med Hemother 2008; 35:50-57. [PMID: 21547111 DOI: 10.1159/000113057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 12/31/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Pauli
- Arbeitskreis Blut, Untergruppe «Bewertung Blutassoziierter Krankheitserreger»
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Herremans M, Duizer E, Jusic E, Koopmans MPG. Detection of hepatitis E virus-specific immunoglobulin a in patients infected with hepatitis E virus genotype 1 or 3. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2007; 14:276-80. [PMID: 17267585 PMCID: PMC1828865 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00312-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Currently, diagnosis of acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) in patients is primarily based on anti-HEV immunoglobulin M (IgM) detection. However, several investigations suggest the use of HEV-specific IgA for diagnosing acute HEV infections. We evaluated two commercially available assays, an IgA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Diacheck) and an adapted immunoblot protocol (Mikrogen) for IgA detection and compared the performance in genotype 1- and 3-infected patients. The specificity of the IgA assays was high, with no positive reactions in a control group of 18 acute hepatitis patients who were negative for HEV. The sensitivity calculated in nine PCR-positive type 1-infected patients was 100% in both assays but was clearly lower in genotype 3-infected patients (n = 14), with sensitivities of only 67% and 57% for the ELISA and immunoblot assay, respectively. The lower IgA responses detected in genotype 3-infected patients could be caused by the use of only the genotype 1 and 2 antigens in the serological assays. Interestingly in two patients with possible infection through blood transfusion no response or intermediate IgA responses were detected, and this might confirm the parenteral route of transmission. In both the type 1- and type 3-infected patients both the IgA and IgM responses disappeared simultaneously. We conclude that IgA detection is of limited value for the serodiagnosis of acute HEV cases, particularly with genotype 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Herremans
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Diagnostic Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Perinatal Screening, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
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Taremi M, Khoshbaten M, Gachkar L, EhsaniArdakani M, Zali M. Hepatitis E virus infection in hemodialysis patients: a seroepidemiological survey in Iran. BMC Infect Dis 2005; 5:36. [PMID: 15904504 PMCID: PMC1156896 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-5-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2004] [Accepted: 05/17/2005] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hepatitis E virus (HEV) has a global distribution and is known to have caused large waterborne epidemics of icteric hepatitis. Transmission is generally via the fecal-oral route. Some reports have suggested parenteral transmission of HEV. Anti-HEV prevalence data among chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients are few and give conflicting results. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in August of 2004. We tested 324 chronic HD patients attending three different units in the city of Tabriz, northwestern part of Iran, for anti-HEV antibody. A specific solid- phase enzyme-linked immunoassay (Diapro, Italy) was used. RESULTS The overall seroprevalence of hepatitis E was 7.4 %(95% CI: 4.6%-10.6%). The prevalence rate of HBV and HCV infection were 4.6% (95% CI: 2.3%-6.9%) and 20.4% (95% CI: 16%-24.8%), respectively. No significant association was found between anti-HEV positivity and age, sex, duration of hemodialysis, positivity for hepatitis B or C virus infection markers and history of transfusion. CONCLUSION We observed high anti-HEV antibody prevalence; there was no association between HEV and blood borne infections (HBV, HCV, and HIV) in our HD patients. This is the first report concerning seroepidemiology of HEV infection in a large group of chronic HD individuals in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Taremi
- National Research Department of Foodborne Diseases (NRDFD), The Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Taleghani Hospital, Tabnak St., Evin, Tehran, Iran
| | - Manouchehr Khoshbaten
- Drug Applied Research Center (DARC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Latif Gachkar
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - MohammadReza Zali
- Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases (RCGLD), Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Taleghani Hospital, Tabnak St., Evin, Tehran, Iran
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Siddiqui AR, Jooma RA, Smego RA. Nosocomial Outbreak of Hepatitis E Infection in Pakistan with Possible Parenteral Transmission. Clin Infect Dis 2005; 40:908-9. [PMID: 15736034 DOI: 10.1086/428357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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