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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 2024:10.1007/s12560-024-09596-1. [PMID: 38613652 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-024-09596-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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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Zhang H, Li X, Wang C, Shi T, Geng Y, Zhao C. Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Rabbits and Rabbit Meat from Slaughterhouses in Hebei Province of China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:588-594. [PMID: 37699252 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen. HEV has been found to be widely prevalent in rabbits. Its isolates are classified into HEV-3, rabbit subgenotype (HEV-3ra). The routes of human infection with HEV-3ra remain unclear; however, foodborne transmission is possible when asymptomatically infected animals enter the food chain. The prevalence of HEV infection in slaughtered rabbits and the presence of HEV in rabbit meat were evaluated in this study. Materials and Methods: In three slaughterhouses in Hebei province, China, samples of rabbit blood were collected during the slaughter process, and muscle, liver, and cavity juice were collected from the rabbit carcasses. Anti-HEV antibody in serum samples was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HEV RNA was tested in all samples by reverse transcription nested PCR (RT-nested PCR). The final amplicons of RT-nested PCR were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. Results: Of the 459 serum samples, 50 [10.9%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.1-13.7] were positive for anti-HEV antibody, and 17 (3.7%, 95% CI: 2.0-5.4) were positive for HEV RNA. HEV RNA was detected in 7 of 60 liver samples (11.7%, 95% CI: 3.3-20) and 2 cavity juice samples from semi-eviscerated carcasses, but was not detected in any muscle sample from either the eviscerated or semi-eviscerated carcasses. All the detected HEV strains belonged to HEV-3ra and related most closely with the rabbit HEV sequence previously reported in China. Conclusion: A portion of rabbits were in the viremia period of HEV infection at the slaughter age, resulting in the possibility of HEV carriage by rabbit carcass, particularly semi-eviscerated carcass containing liver. These findings suggest a potential risk of HEV transmission from raw rabbit products entering the food chain, whereas the presence of HEV appeared to be lower in the eviscerated carcass than in the semi-eviscerated carcass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xueli Li
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Division of Epidemiology, Baoding Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Baoding, China
| | - Tengfei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yansheng Geng
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety of Hebei Province, Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-Transmitted Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
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La Bella G, Basanisi MG, Nobili G, Coppola R, Damato AM, Donatiello A, Occhiochiuso G, Romano AC, Toce M, Palazzo L, Pellegrini F, Fanelli A, Di Martino B, Suffredini E, Lanave G, Martella V, La Salandra G. Evidence of Circulation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Wild Boar in South-East Italy. Viruses 2023; 15:2021. [PMID: 37896798 PMCID: PMC10611066 DOI: 10.3390/v15102021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans worldwide. The food-borne transmission of HEV appears to be a major route in Europe through the consumption of pork and wild boar meat. HEV epidemiology in wild boars has been investigated mainly in Northern and Central Italian regions, whilst information from Southern Italy is limited. We investigated the occurrence of HEV in wild boar in the Apulia and Basilicata regions (Southern Italy). Thirteen (10.4%) out of one hundred and twenty-five wild boar samples tested positive for HEV using a quantitative reverse transcription PCR. HEV prevalence was 12% in Apulia and 9.3% in Basilicata. Seven samples were genotyped, and different subtypes (c, f, m) of genotype 3 were identified. The complete genome of a 3m strain was determined, and the virus showed the highest nucleotide identity to a human HEV strain identified in France in 2017. These findings demonstrate the substantial circulation of HEV in the wild boar population in Italian Southern regions. Gathering information on the HEV strains circulating in different geographical areas is useful for tracking the origin of HEV outbreaks and assessing the epidemiological role of wild boar as a potential virus reservoir for domestic pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco La Bella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Basanisi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gaia Nobili
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Rosa Coppola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Annita Maria Damato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Adelia Donatiello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gilda Occhiochiuso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Mariateresa Toce
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Lucia Palazzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Francesco Pellegrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Fanelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Suffredini
- Department of Food Safety Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianvito Lanave
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna La Salandra
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
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Davydov VV, Zhavoronok SV, Znovets TV, Tsyrkunov VM, Babenkа AS, Marchuk SI, Gasich EL, Novik TP, Alatortseva GI, Mikhailov MI, Zverev VV. Molecular epidemiological study of clinical cases of acute hepatitis E in Belarus. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, EPIDEMIOLOGY AND IMMUNOBIOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.36233/0372-9311-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Relevance. The frequency of occurrence of anamnestic antibodies to the hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the general population of the Republic of Belarus is 7.3%, which is clearly not consistent with the low incidence of hepatitis E (HE). Most of primary HEV infections remain undiagnosed. The intensive epidemic process of HEV in the Belarusian population is hidden. Conducting epidemiological studies, including genotyping of HEV sequences isolated on the territory of the republic, makes it possible to more accurately characterize the sources of HEV infection and the mechanisms of its transmission.
Aim molecular epidemiological study of two cases of acute hepatitis E detected in patients from Belarus.
Materials and methods. During 20212022, samples of biological material were obtained from two patients undergoing treatment with an established diagnosis of acute hepatitis E. Serum samples were tested to detect antibodies to HEV using enzyme immunoassay, HEV RNA was detected in fecal samples using nested RT-PCR. The nucleotide sequence was determined by an automatic sequencer using the Sanger method. Analysis of nucleotide sequences, their genotyping, and calculation of evolutionary distances were performed using MEGA X software.
Results. The HEV sequence isolated from a pregnant woman who had an epidemiological episode of alimentary contact with raw pork meat is clustered into a common phylogenetic clade with HEV sequence obtained from the patient from Belarus with a history of kidney transplantation and HEV sequences isolated from a domestic pigs. The HEV sequence isolated from a patient with a history of travel to Pakistan belongs to the HEV genotype 1 and joins a clade of HEV sequences isolated in Pakistan, India, Nepal and Mongolia.
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Peeters M, Schenk J, De Somer T, Roskams T, Locus T, Klamer S, Subissi L, Suin V, Delwaide J, Stärkel P, De Maeght S, Willems P, Colle I, Van Hoof M, Van Acker J, Van Steenkiste C, Moreno C, Janssens F, Reynders M, Steverlynck M, Verlinden W, Lasser L, de Galocsy C, Geerts A, Maus J, Gallant M, Van Outryve S, Marot A, Reynaert H, Decaestecker J, Bottieau E, Schreiber J, Mulkay JP, de Goeij S, Salame M, Dooremont D, Dastis SN, Boes J, Nijs J, Beyls J, Hens N, Nevens F, Van Gucht S, Vanwolleghem T. Viral clade is associated with severity of symptomatic genotype 3 hepatitis E virus infections in Belgium, 2010-2018. J Hepatol 2023; 78:67-77. [PMID: 36075495 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS HEV genotype (gt) 3 infections are prevalent in high-income countries and display a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Host - but not viral - factors are reported to be associated with worse clinical outcomes. METHODS Demographic, clinical, and biochemical data laboratory-confirmed HEV infections (by PCR and/or a combination of IgM and IgG serology) at the Belgian National Reference Centre between January 2010 and June 2018 were collected using standardised case report forms. Genotyping was based on HEV open reading frame 2 sequences. Serum CXCL10 levels were measured by a magnetic bead-based assay. H&E staining was performed on liver biopsies. RESULTS A total of 274 HEV-infected individuals were included. Subtype assignment was possible for 179/218 viraemic cases, confirming gt3 as dominant with an almost equal representation of clades abchijklm and efg. An increased hospitalisation rate and higher peak serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase were found in clade efg-infected individuals in univariate analyses. In multivariable analyses, clade efg infections remained more strongly associated with severe disease presentation than any of the previously identified host risk factors, being associated with a 2.1-fold higher risk of hospitalisation (95% CI 1.1-4.4, p = 0.034) and a 68.2% higher peak of bilirubin levels (95% CI 13.3-149.9, p = 0.010), independently of other factors included in the model. In addition, acute clade efg infections were characterised by higher serum CXCL10 levels (p = 0.0005) and a more pronounced liver necro-inflammatory activity (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS In symptomatic HEV gt3 infections, clade efg is associated with a more severe disease presentation, higher serum CXCL10 levels, and liver necro-inflammatory activity, irrespective of known host risk factors. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol was submitted to clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04670419). IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS HEV genotype (gt) 3 infections display a wide spectrum of clinical presentations currently ascribed to host factors. Here we examined the role of viral factors on liver disease outcomes by combining viral phylogeny with clinical, biochemical, cytokine, and histological data from 274 Belgian adults infected with HEV presenting between 2010 and 2018. HEV gt 3 clade efg infections were associated with a more severe disease presentation, higher serum CXCL10 levels and liver necro-inflammatory activity, irrespective of known host risk factors. HEV gt3 clade-dependent clinical outcomes call for broad HEV gt3 subtyping in clinical practice and research to help identify those at higher risk for worse outcomes and to further unravel underlying virus-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Peeters
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Schenk
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Centre for Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, Antwerp, Belgium; Hasselt University, Data Science Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Thomas De Somer
- University Hospital Antwerp, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium; Maria Middelares Hospital, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Roskams
- KU Leuven, Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tatjana Locus
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sofieke Klamer
- Sciensano, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Subissi
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Brussels, Belgium; European Public Health Microbiology Training Program (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vanessa Suin
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean Delwaide
- University Hospital Liege, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Liege, Belgium
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc (CUSL), Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Isabelle Colle
- A.S.Z. Aalst, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Aalst, Belgium; Ghent University Hospital, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marc Van Hoof
- Clinique Saint-Luc, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Bouge, Belgium
| | - Jos Van Acker
- AZ Sint-Lucas, Clinical Microbiology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- University Hospital Antwerp, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium; Maria Middelares Hospital, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Moreno
- CUB Hôpital Erasme, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatopancreatology and Digestive Oncology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Filip Janssens
- Jessa Hospital, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Marijke Reynders
- AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Medical Microbiology, Laboratory Medicine, Brugge, Belgium
| | | | - Wim Verlinden
- University Hospital Antwerp, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium; Vitaz, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Luc Lasser
- CHU Brugmann, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Anja Geerts
- Ghent University Hospital, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Maus
- ZNA Middelheim, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marie Gallant
- Jan Yperman Ziekenhuis, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ieper, Belgium
| | | | - Astrid Marot
- CHU UCL Namur, Université Catholique de Louvain, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yvoir, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Reynaert
- University Hospital UZ Brussel, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Jonas Schreiber
- CHIREC Delta Hospital, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | - Mikhaël Salame
- Centre Hospitalier Régional Haute Senne, Soignies, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Jochen Nijs
- Sint-Trudo Ziekenhuis, Department of Gastroenterology, Sint-Truiden, Belgium
| | - Jan Beyls
- Sint-Andriesziekenhuis, Department of Gastroenterology, Tielt, Belgium
| | - Niel Hens
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, Centre for Health Economic Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases, Antwerp, Belgium; Hasselt University, Data Science Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Frederik Nevens
- University Hospitals KU Leuven, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Gucht
- Sciensano, Infectious Diseases in Humans, Viral Diseases, National Reference Centre of Hepatitis Viruses, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- University Hospital Antwerp, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Viral Hepatitis Research Group, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Marascio N, Rotundo S, Quirino A, Matera G, Liberto MC, Costa C, Russo A, Trecarichi EM, Torti C. Similarities, differences, and possible interactions between hepatitis E and hepatitis C viruses: Relevance for research and clinical practice. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:1226-1238. [PMID: 35431515 PMCID: PMC8968488 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i12.1226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are both RNA viruses with a tropism for liver parenchyma but are also capable of extrahepatic manifestations. Hepatitis E is usually a viral acute fecal-oral transmitted and self-limiting disease presenting with malaise, jaundice, nausea and vomiting. Rarely, HEV causes a chronic infection in immunocompromised persons and severe fulminant hepatitis in pregnant women. Parenteral HCV infection is typically asymptomatic for decades until chronic complications, such as cirrhosis and cancer, occur. Despite being two very different viruses in terms of phylogenetic and clinical presentations, HEV and HCV show many similarities regarding possible transmission through organ transplantation and blood transfusion, pathogenesis (production of antinuclear antibodies and cryoglobulins) and response to treatment with some direct-acting antiviral drugs. Although both HEV and HCV are well studied individually, there is a lack of knowledge about coinfection and its consequences. The aim of this review is to analyze current literature by evaluating original articles and case reports and to hypothesize some interactions that can be useful for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Marascio
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Microbiology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rotundo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Angela Quirino
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Microbiology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Matera
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Microbiology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Liberto
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Microbiology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Chiara Costa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Trecarichi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Carlo Torti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
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Bes M, Costafreda MI, Riveiro-Barciela M, Piron M, Rico A, Quer J, Puig L, Sauleda S. Effect of Hepatitis E Virus RNA Universal Blood Donor Screening, Catalonia, Spain, 2017‒2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:157-165. [PMID: 34932460 PMCID: PMC8714212 DOI: 10.3201/eid2801.211466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis in several countries in Europe. HEV is acquired mainly by consumption of contaminated pork but can also be transmitted through blood transfusion. HEV infection is usually self-limited but can become persistent in immunocompromised persons. During the first 30 months of HEV RNA universal screening of blood donations in Catalonia, Spain, we identified 151 HEV RNA-positive donations (1/4,341 blood donations). Most infected donors reported consumption of pates and sausages, and 58% were negative for HEV IgM and IgG. All HEV isolates belonged to genotype 3. All infected donors spontaneously resolved the infection, and no neurologic symptoms and reinfections were observed after 1 year of follow-up. Since the implementation of HEV RNA universal screening, no new cases of transfusion-transmitted HEV infection were reported. Our data indicate HEV screening of blood donations provides safer blood for all recipients, especially for immunosuppressed persons.
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Jackova A, Dudasova K, Salamunova S, Mandelik R, Novotny J, Vilcek S. Identification and genetic diversity of hepatitis E virus in domestic swine from Slovakia. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:232. [PMID: 34193126 PMCID: PMC8246685 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02936-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is agent causing hepatitis worldwide. Originally considered to be limited to developing countries, this virus was also detected in developed countries. In recent years an increasing number of reports indicate that farmed domestic pigs are widely infected with HEV in several European countries. The HEV status in Slovakia is still missing. Results In this study, the circulation of HEV among domestic swine in Slovakia and genetic diversity of the virus was studied. Overall HEV RNA was detected in 53/388 (13.7, 95% CI: 10.40–17.48%) pig rectal swabs in five production stages (age categories) with statistically significant differences among all the stages. The highest HEV prevalence was observed in weaners 24/81 (29.6, 95% CI: 19.99–40.81%) and then significantly declined in growers and fatteners. No HEV was detected in suckling piglets and sows. Twenty-eight partial sequences of ORF1 (242 bp) and seventeen of ORF2 (304 bp) were analysed. Phylogenetic analysis and p-distance comparisons confirmed in both ORFs that all Slovak HEV sequences belong to the genotype HEV-3, major clade 3abchij with higher identity to 3a and 3i subtypes. Three sequences were outside of all lastly updated HEV-3 subtypes. Conclusion This is the first report to fill the information gap about HEV infection in pigs in Slovakia. The results suggested a lower prevalence of HEV in Slovak pig farms than observed in other European countries. While most HEV isolates were typed as HEV-3 clade 3abchij, three sequences were unclassified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jackova
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 041 81, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Dudasova
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 041 81, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Slavomira Salamunova
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 041 81, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Rene Mandelik
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 041 81, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Jaroslav Novotny
- Clinic of Swine, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 041 81, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Stefan Vilcek
- Department of Epizootiology, Parasitology and Protection of One Health, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenskeho 73, 041 81, Kosice, Slovakia.
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Hogema BM, Hakze-van der Honing RW, Molier M, Zaaijer HL, van der Poel WHM. Comparison of Hepatitis E Virus Sequences from Humans and Swine, the Netherlands, 1998-2015. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071265. [PMID: 34209729 PMCID: PMC8310231 DOI: 10.3390/v13071265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs are suspected to be a major source of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in industrialized countries, but the transmission route(s) from pigs to humans are ill-defined. Sequence comparison of HEV isolates from pigs with those from blood donors and patients in 372 samples collected in The Netherlands in 1998 and 1999 and between 2008 and 2015 showed that all sequences were genotype 3 except for six patients (with travel history). Subgenotype 3c (gt3c) was the most common subtype. While the proportion of gt3c increased significantly between 1998 and 2008, it remained constant between 2008 and 2015. Among the few circulating HEV subtypes, there was no difference observed between the human and the pig isolates. Hepatitis E viruses in humans are very likely to originate from pigs, but it is unclear why HEV gt3c has become the predominant subtype in The Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris M. Hogema
- Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.M.H.); (M.M.); (H.L.Z.)
| | | | - Michel Molier
- Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.M.H.); (M.M.); (H.L.Z.)
| | - Hans L. Zaaijer
- Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.M.H.); (M.M.); (H.L.Z.)
- Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Nicot F, Dimeglio C, Migueres M, Jeanne N, Latour J, Abravanel F, Ranger N, Harter A, Dubois M, Lameiras S, Baulande S, Chapuy-Regaud S, Kamar N, Lhomme S, Izopet J. Classification of the Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 Into Distinct Subgenotypes. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:634430. [PMID: 33584599 PMCID: PMC7875884 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.634430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is the most common genotype linked to HEV infections in Europe and America. Three major clades (HEV-3.1, HEV-3.2, and HEV-3.3) have been identified but the overlaps between intra-subtype and inter-subtype p-distances make subtype classification inconsistent. Reference sequences have been proposed to facilitate communication between researchers and new putative subtypes have been identified recently. We have used the full or near full-length HEV-3 genome sequences available in the Genbank database (April 2020; n = 503) and distance analyses of clades HEV-3.1 and HEV-3.2 to determine a p-distance cut-off (0.093 nt substitutions/site) in order to define subtypes. This could help to harmonize HEV-3 genotyping, facilitate molecular epidemiology studies and investigations of the biological and clinical differences between HEV-3 subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Nicot
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Chloé Dimeglio
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France
| | - Marion Migueres
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Jeanne
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Justine Latour
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Abravanel
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Noémie Ranger
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Agnès Harter
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Martine Dubois
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Sonia Lameiras
- Institut Curie Genomics of Excellence Platform, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Baulande
- Institut Curie Genomics of Excellence Platform, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Sabine Chapuy-Regaud
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Service de Néphrologie, Dialyse et Transplantation d'Organe, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- CHU de Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre National de Référence du Virus de l'Hépatite E, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Department of Virology, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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11
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Harvala H, Hewitt PE, Reynolds C, Pearson C, Haywood B, Tettmar KI, Ushiro-Lumb I, Brailsford SR, Tedder R, Ijaz S. Hepatitis E virus in blood donors in England, 2016 to 2017: from selective to universal screening. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30862338 PMCID: PMC6415500 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.10.1800386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the most common cause of acute hepatitis in many European countries, is transmitted through consumption of processed pork but also via blood transfusion and transplantation. HEV infection can become persistent in immunocompromised individuals. Aim We aimed to determine the incidence and epidemiology of HEV infection in English blood donors since the introduction of donation screening in 2016. Methods Between March 2016 and December 2017, 1,838,747 blood donations were screened for HEV RNA. Donations containing HEV RNA were further tested for serological markers, RNA quantification and viral phylogeny. Demographics, travel and diet history were analysed for all infected donors. Results We identified 480 HEV RNA-positive blood donations during the 22-month period, most (319/480; 66%) donors were seronegative. Viral loads ranged from 1 to 3,230,000 IU/ml. All sequences belonged to genotype 3, except one which likely represents a new genotype. Most viraemic donors were over 45 years of age (279/480; 58%), donors aged between 17 and 24 years had a seven-times higher incidence of HEV infection than other donors between March and June 2016 (1:544 donations vs 1:3,830). HEV-infected blood donors were evenly distributed throughout England. Screening prevented 480 HEV RNA-positive blood donations from reaching clinical supply. Conclusion HEV screening of blood donations is a vital step in order to provide safer blood for all recipients, but especially for the immunosuppressed. The unusually high rates of HEV infection in young blood donors may provide some insight into specific risks associated with HEV infection in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Harvala
- University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia E Hewitt
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Reynolds
- Joint NHSBT/PHE Epidemiology Unit, Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV Division, National Infections Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Callum Pearson
- Joint NHSBT/PHE Epidemiology Unit, Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV Division, National Infections Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Becky Haywood
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate I Tettmar
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ines Ushiro-Lumb
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susan R Brailsford
- Joint NHSBT/PHE Epidemiology Unit, Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant and Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infection and HIV Division, National Infections Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Tedder
- Current affiliation: Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, Microbiology Services and National Infection Services, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Smith DB, Izopet J, Nicot F, Simmonds P, Jameel S, Meng XJ, Norder H, Okamoto H, van der Poel WH, Reuter G, Purdy MA. Update: proposed reference sequences for subtypes of hepatitis E virus (species Orthohepevirus A). J Gen Virol 2020; 101:692-698. [PMID: 32469300 PMCID: PMC7660235 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In this recommendation, we update our 2016 table of reference sequences of subtypes of hepatitis E virus (HEV; species Orthohepevirus A, family Hepeviridae) for which complete genome sequences are available (Smith et al., 2016). This takes into account subsequent publications describing novel viruses and additional proposals for subtype names; there are now eight genotypes and 36 subtypes. Although it remains difficult to define strict criteria for distinguishing between virus subtypes, and is not within the remit of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), the use of agreed reference sequences will bring clarity and stability to researchers, epidemiologists and clinicians working with HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B. Smith
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,*Correspondence: Donald B. Smith,
| | | | | | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shahid Jameel
- The Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance, Hyderabad, India
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Heléne Norder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi-ken, Japan
| | - Wim H.M. van der Poel
- Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Wageningen University and Research, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Gábor Reuter
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Michael A. Purdy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention, Division of Viral Hepatitis, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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13
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Subtype-specific differences in the risk of hospitalisation among patients infected with hepatitis E virus genotype 3 in Belgium, 2010-2018. Epidemiol Infect 2020; 147:e224. [PMID: 31364564 PMCID: PMC6625206 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268819001122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Some European countries recently reported an increase in hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) of the subtype 3c. No link between HEV-3 subtypes and severity is established to date. Here, we report that patients infected with HEV-3c were at lower risk of hospitalisation, compared to those infected with HEV-3f, the other main subtype circulating in Belgium.
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14
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Specific circulating microRNAs during hepatitis E infection can serve as indicator for chronic hepatitis E. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5337. [PMID: 32210284 PMCID: PMC7093451 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 (HEV-3, HEV-4) infections are an emerging public health issue in industrialized countries. HEV-3 and −4 are usually self-limiting but can progress to chronic hepatitis E in immunocompromised individuals. The molecular mechanisms involved in persistent infections are poorly understood. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) can regulate viral pathogenesis and can serve as novel disease biomarkers. We aimed to explore the modulation of serum miRNAs in patients with acute (AHE) and chronic (CHE) hepatitis E. Both AHE- and CHE-patients exhibited high viral loads (median 3.23E + 05 IU/mL and 2.11E + 06 IU/mL, respectively) with HEV-3c being the predominant HEV-genotype. Expression analysis of liver-specific serum miRNAs was performed using real-time PCR. miR-99a-5p, miR-122-5p, and miR-125b-5p were upregulated in AHE (4.70–5.28 fold) and CHE patients (2.28–6.34 fold), compared to HEV-negative controls. Notably, miR-192-5p was increased 2.57 fold while miR-125b-5p was decreased 0.35 fold in CHE but not in AHE patients. Furthermore, decreased miR-122-5p expression significantly correlates with reduced liver transaminases in CHE patients. To our knowledge, this marks the first investigation concerning the regulation of circulating liver-specific miRNAs in acute and chronic HEV infections. We found that miR-125b-5p, miR-192-5p, and miR-99a-5p may prove useful in the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis E.
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15
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Four-year long (2014-2017) clinical and laboratory surveillance of hepatitis E virus infections using combined antibody, molecular, antigen and avidity detection methods: Increasing incidence and chronic HEV case in Hungary. J Clin Virol 2020; 124:104284. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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16
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Abravanel F, Dimeglio C, Castanier M, Péron JM, Kamar N, Lhomme S, Izopet J. Does HEV-3 subtype play a role in the severity of acute hepatitis E? Liver Int 2020; 40:333-337. [PMID: 31837187 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) is a major aetiologic agent of acute hepatitis in industrialized countries. Two main HEV-3 subtypes are found in Europe: subtypes 3c and 3f. We have analysed the clinical and biological parameters from 100 French immunocompetent patients with an HEV subtype 3f or subtype 3c infection, included in a prospective multicentre study. Stepwise regression analysis found that infections with HEV subtype 3f were associated with fever (OR: 6.1 95%CI: 1.4-26.1), have a greater virus load (OR: 7.4; 95%CI: 1.3-42.2) and require more frequent hospitalization (OR: 7.6; 95%CI: 1.1-51.4) than those infected with subtype 3c. The directed acyclic graph strengthens the multivariate analyses indicating a direct link between the HEV subtype, HEV RNA concentration, fever and hospitalization. Further studies on patients in other European countries are needed to confirm this relationship and determine the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Abravanel
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Centre national de référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Chloé Dimeglio
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Centre national de référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Mathilde Castanier
- Département de Gastroentérologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Marie Péron
- Département de Gastroentérologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Département de Néphrologie-Transplantation d'organe, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Centre national de référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- UMR Inserm, U1043, UMR CNRS, U5282, Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan (CPTP), Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Centre national de référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Toulouse, France
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17
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Iqbal T, Rashid U, Idrees M, Afroz A, Kamili S, Purdy MA. A novel avian isolate of hepatitis E virus from Pakistan. Virol J 2019; 16:142. [PMID: 31753030 PMCID: PMC6868781 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1247-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Avian hepatitis E virus (aHEV) has been associated with hepatitis-splenomegaly syndrome (HSS) in chickens along with asymptomatic subclinical infection in many cases. So far, four genotypes have been described, which cause infection in chickens, specifically in broiler breeders and layer chickens. In the present study, we isolated and identified two novel aHEV strains from the bile of layer chickens in Pakistan evincing clinical symptoms related to HSS. Methodology Histology of liver and spleen tissues was carried out to observe histopathological changes in these tissues. Bile fluid and fecal suspensions were used for viral RNA isolation through MegNA pure and Trizol method which was further used for viral genome detection and characterization by cDNA synthesis and amplification of partial open reading frame (ORF) 1, ORF2 and complete ORF3. The bioinformatics tools; Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis version 6.0 (MEGA 6), Mfold and ProtScale were used for phylogenic analysis, RNA secondary structure prediction and protein hydropathy analysis, respectively. Results Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis on the basis of partial methyltranferase (MeT), helicase (Hel) domain, ORF2 and complete ORF3 sequence suggests these Pakistani aHEV (Pak aHEV) isolates may belong to a Pakistani specific clade. The overall sequence similarity between the Pak aHEV sequences was 98–100%. The ORF1/ORF3 intergenic region contains a conserved cis-reactive element (CRE) and stem-loop structure (SLS). Analysis of the amino acid sequence of ORF3 indicated two hydrophobic domains (HD) and single conserved proline-rich domain (PRD) PREPSAPP (PXXPXXPP) with a single PSAP motif found in C-terminal. Amino acid changes S15 T, A31T, Q35H and G46D unique to the Pak aHEV sequences were found in the N-terminal region of ORF3. Conclusions Our data suggests that Pak aHEV isolates may represent a novel Pakistani clade and high sequence homology to each other support the supposition they may belong to a monophyletic clade circulating in the region around Pakistan. The data presented in this study provide further information for aHEV genetic diversity, genotype mapping, global distribution and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Iqbal
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan.,Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MS-A33, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Umer Rashid
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, 53700, Pakistan.,Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Pakistan
| | - Amber Afroz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat, 50700, Pakistan
| | - Saleem Kamili
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MS-A33, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Michael A Purdy
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MS-A33, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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18
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Thom K, Gilhooly P, McGowan K, Malloy K, Jarvis LM, Crossan C, Scobie L, Blatchford O, Smith-Palmer A, Donnelly MC, Davidson JS, Johannessen I, Simpson KJ, Dalton HR, Petrik J. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Scotland: evidence of recent increase in viral circulation in humans. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 29589577 PMCID: PMC6205259 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.12.17-00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies showed low levels of circulating hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Scotland. We aimed to reassess current Scottish HEV epidemiology. Methods: Blood donor samples from five Scottish blood centres, the minipools for routine HEV screening and liver transplant recipients were tested for HEV antibodies and RNA to determine seroprevalence and viraemia. Blood donor data were compared with results from previous studies covering 2004-08. Notified laboratory-confirmed hepatitis E cases (2009-16) were extracted from national surveillance data. Viraemic samples from blood donors (2016) and chronic hepatitis E transplant patients (2014-16) were sequenced. Results: Anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence varied geographically and was highest in Edinburgh where it increased from 4.5% in 2004-08) to 9.3% in 2014-15 (p = 0.001). It was most marked in donors < 35 years. HEV RNA was found in 1:2,481 donors, compared with 1:14,520 in 2011. Notified laboratory-confirmed cases increased by a factor of 15 between 2011 and 2016, from 13 to 206. In 2011-13, 1 of 329 transplant recipients tested positive for acute HEV, compared with six cases of chronic infection during 2014-16. Of 10 sequenced viraemic donors eight and all six patients were infected with genotype 3 clade 1 virus, common in European pigs. Conclusions: The seroprevalence, number of viraemic donors and numbers of notified laboratory-confirmed cases of HEV in Scotland have all recently increased. The causes of this change are unknown, but need further investigation. Clinicians in Scotland, particularly those caring for immunocompromised patients, should have a low threshold for testing for HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Thom
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Gilhooly
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Karen McGowan
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kristen Malloy
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa M Jarvis
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Crossan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Linda Scobie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Blatchford
- Department of Public Health, Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Smith-Palmer
- Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mhairi C Donnelly
- Department of Hepatology, Division of Health Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Janice S Davidson
- Scottish Liver Transplantation Unit, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kenneth J Simpson
- Department of Hepatology, Division of Health Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harry R Dalton
- Royal Cornwall Hospital and European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, United Kingdom
| | - Juraj Petrik
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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19
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Nakano T, Okano H, Takahashi M, Nagashima S, Shiraki K, Oya Y, Inoue H, Ohmori S, Tsukimoto M, Ishida S, Fujimoto S, Kobayashi M, Yamawaki M, Kumagai M, Ninomiya J, Maegawa T, Kojima Y, Araki J, Hamaoka S, Horiike S, Yoshimura H, Takeuchi K, Itoh K, Akachi S, Uraki S, Yamamoto N, Ogura S, Sugimoto K, Yoshikawa K, Hasegawa H, Iwasa M, Takei Y, Okamoto H. Changing clinical and molecular characteristics of hepatitis E virus infection in Mie Prefecture, Japan: Disappearance of indigenous subtype 3e strains. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:1003-1014. [PMID: 31026368 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the clinical and molecular characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Mie Prefecture, Japan, from 2004 through 2018. METHODS The clinical information of hepatitis E cases was collected from 21 medical institutions in Mie Prefecture. The nucleotide sequences of infecting HEV strains were determined for cases with available serum samples. The origins or transmission routes were inferred from phylogenetic analyses of the nucleotide sequences. RESULTS Fifty-three patients were diagnosed with HEV infection. The number of cases increased each year through 2012 and then decreased. Analyses of the clinical characteristics of the cases indicated that even mild cases were detected in the latter 10 years of the study. Nucleotide sequence analyses were undertaken on 38 of the 53 cases. The HEV subtype 3e (HEV-3e) strains identified for 13 cases were closely related to a swine HEV-3e strain that was isolated from the liver of a pig bred in Mie Prefecture. The number of cases infected with the indigenous Mie HEV-3e strains increased until 2012 but have not been reported since 2014. In the latter half of the study, cases involving various HEV strains of different genotypes and subtypes emerged. CONCLUSIONS The disappearance of indigenous Mie HEV-3e strains appeared to be the primary cause for the decrease in hepatitis E cases in Mie Prefecture. The disappearance might have been associated with improved hygienic conditions on pig farms or the closure of contaminated farms. The results suggest that indigenous HEV strains can be eradicated by appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsunori Nakano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University Nanakuri Memorial Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Okano
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzuka General Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Masaharu Takahashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Shigeo Nagashima
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Katsuya Shiraki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mie Prefectural General Medical Center, Mie, Japan
| | - Yumi Oya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mie Prefectural General Medical Center, Mie, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Inoue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mie Prefectural General Medical Center, Mie, Japan
| | - Shigeru Ohmori
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kuwana City Medical Center, Mie, Japan
| | - Mone Tsukimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kuwana City Medical Center, Mie, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ishida
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kuwana City Medical Center, Mie, Japan
| | - Shino Fujimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kuwana City Medical Center, Mie, Japan
| | - Makoto Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokkaichi Municipal Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Makoto Yamawaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokkaichi Municipal Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Masanari Kumagai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokkaichi Municipal Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Jun Ninomiya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokkaichi Municipal Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Tadashi Maegawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokkaichi Municipal Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Yuji Kojima
- Department of Hepatology, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Jun Araki
- Department of Hepatology, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Shima Hamaoka
- Department of Hepatology, Ise Red Cross Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Horiike
- Department of Internal Medicine, Suzuka Kaisei Hospital, Suzuka, Mie, Japan
| | | | - Keisuke Takeuchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mie Chuo Medical Center, Mie, Japan
| | - Keiichi Itoh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mie Prefectural Shima Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Akachi
- Mie Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences, Mie, Japan
| | - Satoko Uraki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sakakibara Onsen Hospital, Mie, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Norihiko Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan.,Department of Hepatology, Tohyama Hospital, Mie, Japan
| | - Suguru Ogura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Kazushi Sugimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Kyoko Yoshikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hasegawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Motoh Iwasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mie University School of Medicine, Mie, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
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20
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Lhomme S, Gallian P, Dimeglio C, Assal A, Abravanel F, Tiberghien P, Izopet J. Viral load and clinical manifestations of hepatitis E virus genotype 3 infections. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1139-1142. [PMID: 31099059 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A fraction of plasma donations undergoes hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA screening since late 2014 in France. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of HEV RNA as well as the viral load and the evolution of genotype distribution over a 3-year period (2015-2017) in asymptomatic blood donors in comparison with symptomatic patients routinely diagnosed. The overall detection rate of HEV RNA in plasma donations was 0.10% during the 3-year period, with a median viral load of 717 IU/mL (range: <60-168 000 IU/mL) in the 189 samples found HEV RNA positive. One hundred and twenty samples (64.4%) were successfully HEV genotyped. Most strains were HEV3f (n = 54; 44.3%) and HEV3c (n = 46; 37.7%). The genotype distribution was not different throughout the 3-year period and we found no association between the genotype and where the blood donors lived (P = 0.96). The HEV genotype distributions in infected blood donors and symptomatic patients were similar. However, the symptomatic patients had a higher viral load (median 282 000 IU/mL; range: <60-136 000 000 IU/mL; P < 0.01) than the blood donors. Overall, asymptomatic blood donors and patients with symptomatic hepatitis E had similar genotype distributions but the blood donors had lower viral loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Lhomme
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, UMR1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Gallian
- Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS), La Plaine St Denis, France.,Unité des Virus Emergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ - IRD 190 - Inserm 1207, IHU Méditerranée Infection), Marseille, France
| | | | - Azzedine Assal
- Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS), Aquitaine Limousin, Bordeaux, France
| | - Florence Abravanel
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, UMR1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Tiberghien
- Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS), La Plaine St Denis, France.,Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, UMR 1098, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHU Purpan, Toulouse, France.,INSERM, UMR1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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21
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Di Profio F, Melegari I, Palombieri A, Sarchese V, Arbuatti A, Fruci P, Marsilio F, Martella V, Di Martino B. High prevalence of hepatitis E virus in raw sewage in Southern Italy. Virus Res 2019; 272:197710. [PMID: 31415790 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections constitute a significant health problem worldwide. The burden of hepatitis E in Italy seems low when compared with other European countries. In recent years, improved surveillance activities in Italy have revealed marked geographical differences in HEV epidemiology, with some regions characterised by higher seroprevalence rates. Abruzzo Region (Southern Italy) is currently recognised as a high-risk area for HEV infection. In this study, we investigated the epidemiology of HEV in Teramo Province by monitoring four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Out of 56 influent sewage specimens collected during 2016-2017, HEV RNA was detected in 13/56 (23.2%) sewage samples from all the four WWTPs. Upon sequence analysis of the partial ORF2 gene, four strains showed the highest nucleotide identity to Gt3 subtype c, being more closely related to other HEVs previously identified in human and animal hosts in Abruzzo. For one strain, sequence data were generated only for a short region of the ORF1 gene, revealing the highest identity to HEVs Gt3 of subtype f. Altogether, the findings of this study confirm that HEV largely circulates in the setting investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Melegari
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Palombieri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sarchese
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessio Arbuatti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Italy
| | - Paola Fruci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Italy
| | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Italy.
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22
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Capai L, Maestrini O, Casabianca F, Villechenaud N, Masse S, Bosseur F, Lamballerie X, Charrel RN, Falchi A. Drastic decline of hepatitis E virus detection in domestic pigs after the age of 6 months, Corsica, France. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:2462-2473. [DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisandru Capai
- EA 7310, Laboratoire de Virologie Université de Corse Corte France
| | - Oscar Maestrini
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Développement de l’Elevage (LRDE) Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) Corte France
| | - François Casabianca
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Développement de l’Elevage (LRDE) Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) Corte France
| | | | - Shirley Masse
- EA 7310, Laboratoire de Virologie Université de Corse Corte France
| | - Frédéric Bosseur
- Sciences Pour l’Environnement – UMR CNRS 6134 niversité de Corse Corte France
| | - Xavier Lamballerie
- IRD 190, INSERM 1207 IHU Méditerranée Infection, Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE): Aix Marseille Univ Marseille France
| | - Rémi N. Charrel
- IRD 190, INSERM 1207 IHU Méditerranée Infection, Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE): Aix Marseille Univ Marseille France
- Emerging Pathogens Institute University of Florida Gainesville Florida
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23
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Sarchese V, Di Profio F, Melegari I, Palombieri A, Sanchez SB, Arbuatti A, Ciuffetelli M, Marsilio F, Martella V, Di Martino B. Hepatitis E virus in sheep in Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1120-1125. [PMID: 30811818 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of human enterically transmitted viral hepatitis occurring around the world both as outbreaks and as sporadic cases. The accumulating literature indicates that domestic pigs and wild boars are the main reservoirs of genotype 3 and genotype 4 for human infections in industrialized countries. However, the recent identification of HEV from various animal species poses additional potential concerns for HEV zoonotic infection. In this study, the role of sheep as potential host of hepatitis E virus (HEV) was investigated. By screening 192 sheep from seven farms located in Abruzzo Region (Southern Italy), HEV-specific antibodies were detected in the sera of 41 animals (21.3%) whilst the RNA of HEV, genotype 3, was detected in 20 faecal (10.4%) and three serum samples (1.6%). Upon sequence analyses of a partial ORF2 gene region of eight HEV positive samples, the sheep sequences all grouped together within HEV genotype 3 subtype c, being most closely related to HEV strains identified in goat and wild boar from Abruzzo. This is the first study that demonstrates, serologically and molecularly, the presence of HEV in sheep population in a European country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Sarchese
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Di Profio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Irene Melegari
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Palombieri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Arbuatti
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Marsilio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università Aldo Moro di Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Di Martino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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24
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Tan J, Chen Y, Wang L, Chan TC, Amer S, Xu X, Cai J, Li W, Zheng X, Zhou M, Qin S, Zhao N, Miao Z, Liu S. Acute sporadic hepatitis E in the Zhejiang coastal area of China: a 14-year hospital-based surveillance study. Virol J 2019; 16:16. [PMID: 30717759 PMCID: PMC6360671 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1119-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the epidemiological trends and changes of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and the potential risk factors for severe infection in the Zhejiang eastern coastal area of China. METHODS We analyzed statutory hepatitis E cases notifications and inpatient data held by the national surveillance and hospital information systems in Wenzhou, Taizhou, Ningbo, and Zhoushan cities of the Zhejiang eastern coastal area of China. RESULTS Nine thousand four hundred sixteen hepatitis E cases were reported from 2004 to 2017, with an average incidence of 2.94 per 100,000. The overall death rate was 0.06% (6/9416). A gradual decline of hepatitis E cases was found in the coastal areas since 2007, while a rise was identified in the non-coastal areas. Annual incidence in non-coastal cities was much higher than that in coastal cities (4.345 vs. 2.945 per 100,000, relative risk = 1.5, P value < 0.001). The mean age was 52 years old and 50.55 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2.32:1 and 2.21:1 in coastal and noncoastal areas respectively (all P > 0.05). Hepatitis E cases prevalence increased with age, highest among men in their 70s (9.02 vs. 11.33 per 100,000) and women in their 60s (3.94 vs. 4.66 per 100,000) groups for both coastal and noncoastal areas respectively. A clear seasonal pattern was observed, with a peak in March (0.4429 per 100,000) in coastal areas. 202 inpatients were documented, of which 50.50% (102/202) were severe cases. Male individuals with alcohol consumption, alcohol hepatic diseases, and superinfection were the three independent highest risks for severe infections (all with P value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This is to our knowledge the largest epidemiological study of hepatitis E cases in the eastern coastal area of Zhejiang province of China. The patterns of infection across the coastal areas were similar to those of the non-coastal areas, but the incidence was substantially lower and decreased gradually since 2007.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Tan
- Department of Hepatology, Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yijuan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, (310051), Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ta-Chien Chan
- Research Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Said Amer
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kafr El Sheikh University, Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Automation, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, (310051), Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Hepatology, Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zheng
- Department of Hepatology, Ningbo No.2 Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mi Zhou
- The Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shuwen Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, (310051), Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Na Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziping Miao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, (310051), Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Shelan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Binsheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, (310051), Zhejiang Province, China.
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25
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Ticehurst JR, Pisanic N, Forman MS, Ordak C, Heaney CD, Ong E, Linnen JM, Ness PM, Guo N, Shan H, Nelson KE. Probable transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) via transfusion in the United States. Transfusion 2019; 59:1024-1034. [PMID: 30702157 DOI: 10.1111/trf.15140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can inapparently infect blood donors. To assess transfusion transmission of HEV in the United States, which has not been documented, a donor-recipient repository was evaluated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS To identify donations that contained HEV RNA and were linked to patient-recipients with antibody evidence of HEV exposure, we assayed samples from the Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) Allogeneic Donor and Recipient repository that represents 13,201 linked donations and 3384 transfused patients. Posttransfusion samples, determined to contain IgG anti-HEV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, were reassayed along with corresponding pretransfusion samples for seroconversion (incident exposure) or at least fourfold IgG anti-HEV increase (reexposure). HEV-exposed patients were linked to donations in which HEV RNA was then detected by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, confirmed by transcription-mediated amplification, and phylogenetically analyzed as subgenomic cDNA sequences. RESULTS Among all patients, 19 of 1036 (1.8%) who had IgG anti-HEV before transfusion were reexposed; 40 of 2348 (1.7%) without pretransfusion IgG anti-HEV seroconverted. These 59 patients were linked to 257 donations, 1 of which was positive by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and transcription-mediated amplification. Plasma from this donation contained 5.5 log IU/mL of HEV RNA that grouped with HEV genotype 3, clade 3abchij. The patient-recipient of RBCs from this donation had a greater than eightfold IgG increase; however, clinical data are unavailable. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of probable HEV transmission via transfusion in the United States, although it has been frequently observed in Europe and Japan. Additional data on the magnitude of the risk in the United States are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Ticehurst
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nora Pisanic
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michael S Forman
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Carly Ordak
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - Paul M Ness
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nan Guo
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hua Shan
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kenrad E Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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26
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Grierson SS, McGowan S, Cook C, Steinbach F, Choudhury B. Molecular and in vitro characterisation of hepatitis E virus from UK pigs. Virology 2018; 527:116-121. [PMID: 30496912 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is widespread in the global pig population. Although clinically inapparent in pigs, HEV infection is the cause of Hepatitis E in humans and transmission via the food chain has been established. Following a 2013 study that investigated prevalence of HEV infection in UK slaughter-age pigs samples indicating highest viral load were selected for further characterisation. High throughput sequencing was used to obtain the complete coding sequence from five samples. An in-frame insertion was observed within the HEV hypervariable region in two samples. To interrogate whether this mutation may be the cause of high-level viraemia and faecal shedding as observed in the sampled pigs virus isolation and culture was conducted. Based on viral growth kinetics there was no evidence that these insertions affected replication efficiency in vitro, suggesting as yet undetermined host factors may affect the course of infection and consequently the risk of foodborne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia S Grierson
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Virology, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
| | - Sarah McGowan
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Virology, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Charlotte Cook
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Falko Steinbach
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Virology, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Bhudipa Choudhury
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Department of Virology, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
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27
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Smith DB, Simmonds P. Classification and Genomic Diversity of Enterically Transmitted Hepatitis Viruses. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018; 8:a031880. [PMID: 29530950 PMCID: PMC6120691 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are significant human pathogens and are responsible for a substantial proportion of cases of severe acute hepatitis worldwide. Genetically, both viruses are heterogeneous and are classified into several genotypes that differ in their geographical distribution and risk group association. There is, however, little evidence that variants of HAV or HEV differ antigenically or in their propensity to cause severe disease. Genetically more divergent but primarily hepatotropic variants of both HAV and HEV have been found in several mammalian species, those of HAV being classified into eight species within the genus Hepatovirus in the virus family Picornaviridae. HEV is classified as a member of the species Orthohepevirus A in the virus family Hepeviridae, a species that additionally contains viruses infecting pigs, rabbits, and a variety of other mammalian species. Other species (Orthohepevirus B-D) infect a wide range of other mammalian species including rodents and bats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald B Smith
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, United Kingdom
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
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28
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Nicot F, Jeanne N, Roulet A, Lefebvre C, Carcenac R, Manno M, Dubois M, Kamar N, Lhomme S, Abravanel F, Izopet J. Diversity of hepatitis E virus genotype 3. Rev Med Virol 2018; 28:e1987. [PMID: 29939461 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) can lead to chronic infection in immunocompromised patients, and ribavirin is the treatment of choice. Recently, mutations in the polymerase gene have been associated with ribavirin failure but their frequency before treatment according to HEV-3 subtypes has not been studied on a large data set. We used single-molecule real-time sequencing technology to sequence 115 new complete genomes of HEV-3 infecting French patients. We analyzed phylogenetic relationships, the length of the polyproline region, and mutations in the HEV polymerase gene. Eighty-five (74%) were in the clade HEV-3efg, 28 (24%) in HEV-3chi clade, and 2 (2%) in HEV-3ra clade. Using automated partitioning of maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees, complete genomes were classified into subtypes. Polyproline region length differs within HEV-3 clades (from 189 to 315 nt). Investigating mutations in the polymerase gene, distinct polymorphisms between HEV-3 subtypes were found (G1634R in 95% of HEV-3e, G1634K in 56% of HEV-3ra, and V1479I in all HEV-3efg, clade HEV-3ra, and HEV-3k strains). Subtype-specific polymorphisms in the HEV-3 polymerase have been identified. Our study provides new complete genome sequences of HEV-3 that could be useful for comparing strains circulating in humans and the animal reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Nicot
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Jeanne
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Alain Roulet
- Plateforme Génomique, Centre INRA Occitanie-Toulouse, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Caroline Lefebvre
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Romain Carcenac
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Maxime Manno
- Plateforme Génomique, Centre INRA Occitanie-Toulouse, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Martine Dubois
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Center of Pathophysiology, Toulouse Purpan, INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.,Service de néphrologie, Dialyse et Transplantation d'Organe, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Center of Pathophysiology, Toulouse Purpan, INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Abravanel
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Center of Pathophysiology, Toulouse Purpan, INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Centre National de Référence du virus de l'hépatite E, Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Purpan, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Center of Pathophysiology, Toulouse Purpan, INSERM, U1043, Toulouse, France.,Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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Bruni R, Villano U, Equestre M, Chionne P, Madonna E, Trandeva-Bankova D, Peleva-Pishmisheva M, Tenev T, Cella E, Ciccozzi M, Pisani G, Golkocheva-Markova E, Ciccaglione AR. Hepatitis E virus genotypes and subgenotypes causing acute hepatitis, Bulgaria, 2013-2015. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198045. [PMID: 29879148 PMCID: PMC5991722 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In industrialized areas of the world, including Europe, Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is considered an emerging pathogen. In fact, autochthonous cases caused by HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) are increasingly reported. Several studies described the human HEV-3 subtypes and strains circulating in West Europe countries; in contrast, very little is known about the HEV strains responsible for acute hepatitis E in countries of East Europe/Balkans, such as Bulgaria. Methods and findings Anti-HEV IgM positive serum samples (n = 103) from acute hepatitis cases (2013–2015) from all over Bulgaria were analysed for HEV RNA by Real-Time PCR. Viremia was detected in 90/103 samples. A fragment of the viral genome (ORF-2 region) was amplified by nested PCR from 76/90 viremic samples, leading to a sequence in 64 of them. Genotyping by phylogenetic analysis with standard reference sequences showed HEV-1 in 1/64 cases, HEV-3 in 63/64. Subtyping of HEV-3 sequences showed 3e (39/63, 62%), 3f (n = 15/63, 24%) and 3c (n = 8/63, 13%) subtypes; in one case the sequence subtype was uncertain and classified as 3hi. In the phylogenetic tree, most 3e sequences grouped in two well distinct clusters (A and B), each one with very low intragroup genetic distances. In contrast, 3f and 3c were interspersed with reference sequences and showed lower tendency to cluster and/or higher intragroup distances. Geographically, while 3f and 3c were scattered throughout the country, 3e was restricted to the South-West area, with most cases in two towns about 40 kilometres apart from each other. Conclusions Most acute hepatitis E cases in Bulgaria are caused by HEV-3, subtypes 3e, 3f and 3c. Circulation of 3e appears quite different from 3f and 3c, with 3e restricted to the South-West area while 3f and 3c diffused over the country. The factors underlying the observed molecular and geographical differences remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bruni
- Viral Hepatitis and Oncovirus and Retrovirus Diseases Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Umbertina Villano
- Viral Hepatitis and Oncovirus and Retrovirus Diseases Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Equestre
- Department of Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Chionne
- Viral Hepatitis and Oncovirus and Retrovirus Diseases Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Madonna
- Viral Hepatitis and Oncovirus and Retrovirus Diseases Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Tencho Tenev
- Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Eleonora Cella
- Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Pisani
- Biologicals and Biotechnologicals Unit, National Centre for the Control and Evaluation of Medicines, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rita Ciccaglione
- Viral Hepatitis and Oncovirus and Retrovirus Diseases Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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30
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Kobayashi T, Murakami S, Yamamoto T, Mineshita K, Sakuyama M, Sasaki R, Maeda K, Horimoto T. Detection of bat hepatitis E virus RNA in microbats in Japan. Virus Genes 2018; 54:599-602. [PMID: 29845506 PMCID: PMC7088820 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-018-1577-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Several recent studies have reported that various bat species harbor bat hepatitis E viruses (BatHEV) belonging to the family Hepeviridae, which also contains human hepatitis E virus (HEV). The distribution and ecology of BatHEV are not well known. Here, we collected and screened 81 bat fecal samples from nine bat species in Japan to detect BatHEV RNA by RT-PCR using HEV-specific primers, and detected three positive samples. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses indicated that these three viruses were BatHEVs belonging to genus Orthohepevirus D like other BatHEV strains reported earlier in various countries. These data support the first detection of BatHEVs in Japanese microbats, indicating their wide geographical distribution among multiple bat species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kobayashi
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shin Murakami
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | | | - Ko Mineshita
- NPO Corporation Association of Bat Conservation, Iwate, 020-0003, Japan
| | - Muneki Sakuyama
- NPO Corporation Association of Bat Conservation, Iwate, 020-0003, Japan
| | - Reiko Sasaki
- NPO Corporation Association of Bat Conservation, Iwate, 020-0003, Japan
| | - Ken Maeda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Taisuke Horimoto
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
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31
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Fraga M, Doerig C, Moulin H, Bihl F, Brunner F, Müllhaupt B, Ripellino P, Semela D, Stickel F, Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Aubert V, Telenti A, Greub G, Sahli R, Moradpour D. Hepatitis E virus as a cause of acute hepatitis acquired in Switzerland. Liver Int 2018; 38:619-626. [PMID: 28834649 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autochthonous hepatitis E is increasingly recognized as zoonotic infection in western countries. Serological assays have varying sensitivity and specificity. METHODS We implemented molecular testing to identify and characterize acute hepatitis E acquired in Switzerland. RESULTS Ninety-three cases of mostly symptomatic acute hepatitis E acquired in Switzerland were documented by PCR between November 2011 and December 2016. Median HEV RNA was 7.5 x 104 IU/mL (range, 5.3 to 4.7 x 107 IU/mL). HEV genotyping was successful in 78 patients, revealing genotype 3 in 75 and genotype 4 in three patients. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a few limited geographical and temporal clusters. Of the 91 patients with available anti-HEV IgM serology, four were negative; three of these were also IgG-negative, likely as a result of immunosuppression, and one was IgG-positive, a constellation compatible with HEV reinfection. Median age of the patients was 58 years (range, 20-80 years); 71 (76.3%) were men and 49 of these (69.0%) were ≥ 50 years old. The clinical course was particularly severe in patients with underlying chronic liver disease, with fatal outcome in two patients. Six patients (6.5%) presented with neuralgic amyotrophy. CONCLUSIONS Nucleic acid-based diagnosis reveals HEV as a relevant cause of acute hepatitis in Switzerland. Middle-aged and elderly men constitute the majority of symptomatic patients. Testing for HEV should be included early in the diagnostic workup of acute hepatitis and of neuralgic amyotrophy, a typical extrahepatic manifestation of HEV genotype 3 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Fraga
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Doerig
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Hervé Moulin
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Bihl
- Hepatology Service, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale Ticino, Lugano and University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Felix Brunner
- Hepatology, University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Hospital Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - David Semela
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Felix Stickel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Vincent Aubert
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Amalio Telenti
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gilbert Greub
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Roland Sahli
- Institute of Microbiology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Darius Moradpour
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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32
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von Wulffen M, Westhölter D, Lütgehetmann M, Pischke S. Hepatitis E: Still Waters Run Deep. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2018; 6:40-47. [PMID: 29577031 PMCID: PMC5862998 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2017.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E is an infectious inflammatory disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), a single-stranded RNA virus. Today, it is estimated that there are more than 20 million HEV infections every year, leading to 3.3 million symptomatic cases and more than 56,000 deaths. For a long time it was believed that HEV was a travel-associated disease, endemic in developing countries with poor hygienic standards and unsafe water supply. However, over the past years, publications have demonstrated that autochthonous HEV infections in industrialized countries are far more common than previously thought. Awareness for HEV amongst health care practitioners in industrialized countries is still limited. This relatively rare disease is of great importance, especially in immunocompromised patients where it can cause chronic liver disease. This article comprehensively reviews current literature to give an overview on clinically important topics. It will focus on epidemiological aspects, acute and chronic HEV infection as well as extra-hepatic manifestations, diagnostic approach and treatment options. Furthermore, the article is concluded with a brief outlook on perspectives and urgent problems to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz von Wulffen
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Westhölter
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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33
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Origin and dispersal of Hepatitis E virus. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:11. [PMID: 29410449 PMCID: PMC5837148 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-017-0009-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV, genus Orthohepevirus) is a common cause of hepatitis worldwide. Human-infecting HEV strains (Orthohepevirus A) include human-restricted and enzootic genotypes. Viruses in the Orthohepevirus A species also infect rabbits (HEV-3ra), camels, and swine. Using a selection-informed method, we dated the origin of the Orthohepevirus genus at least 21 million years ago, whereas the Orthohepevirus A species originated in Asia, most likely from a human-infecting ancestor that existed ~4500 to 6800 years ago. In this period, the appearance of large human settlements probably facilitated HEV emergence and spread. The earliest events in Orthohepevirus A evolutionary history involved the separation of the enzootic and human-restricted genotypes, as well as the split of the camel-infecting genotypes, which occurred during the time-frame of camel domestication. The place and timing of HEV-3ra divergence also correspond to the circumstances of rabbit domestication. This study clarifies the origin and historical events underlying HEV dispersal.
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34
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Hepatitis E virus subtype 3f strains isolated from Japanese hepatitis patients with no history of travel to endemic areas – The origin analyzed by molecular evolution. Virology 2018; 513:146-152. [PMID: 29078116 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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35
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Nan Y, Wu C, Zhao Q, Zhou EM. Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: An Ignored Risk for Public Health. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2396. [PMID: 29255453 PMCID: PMC5723051 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a quasi-enveloped, single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. HEV belongs to the family Hepeviridae, a family comprised of highly diverse viruses originating from various species. Since confirmation of HEV's zoonosis, HEV-induced hepatitis has been a public health concern both for developing and developed countries. Meanwhile, the demonstration of a broad host range for zoonotic HEV suggests the existence of a variety of transmission routes that could lead to human infection. Moreover, anti-HEV antibody serosurveillance worldwide demonstrates a higher than expected HEV prevalence rate that conflicts with the rarity and sporadic nature of reported acute hepatitis E cases. In recent years, chronic HEV infection, HEV-related acute hepatic failure, and extrahepatic manifestations caused by HEV infection have been frequently reported. These observations suggest a significant underestimation of the number and complexity of transmission routes previously predicted to cause HEV-related disease, with special emphasis on zoonotic HEV as a public health concern. Significant research has revealed details regarding the virology and infectivity of zoonotic HEV in both humans and animals. In this review, the discovery of HEV zoonosis, recent progress in our understanding of the zoonotic HEV host range, and classification of diverse HEV or HEV-like isolates from various hosts are reviewed in a historic context. Ultimately, this review focuses on current understanding of viral pathogenesis and cross-species transmission of zoonotic HEV. Moreover, host factors and viral determinants influencing HEV host tropism are discussed to provide new insights into HEV transmission and prevalence mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
| | - En-Min Zhou
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Veterinary Pharmacology and Diagnostic Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Xianyang, China
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36
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Grierson S, Rabie A, Lambert M, Choudhury B, Smith RP. HEV infection not evident in rodents on English pig farms. Vet Rec 2017; 182:81. [PMID: 29196489 DOI: 10.1136/vr.104417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Grierson
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Andre Rabie
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Mark Lambert
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Sand Hutton, UK
| | - Bhudipa Choudhury
- Department of Virology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Richard P Smith
- Department of Epidemiological Sciences, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
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37
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Behloul N, Wei W, Baha S, Liu Z, Wen J, Meng J. Effects of mRNA secondary structure on the expression of HEV ORF2 proteins in Escherichia coli. Microb Cell Fact 2017; 16:200. [PMID: 29137642 PMCID: PMC5686824 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-017-0812-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Viral protein expression in Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a powerful tool for structural/functional studies as well as for vaccine and diagnostics development. However, numerous factors such as codon bias, mRNA secondary structure and nucleotides distribution, have been indentified to hamper this heterologous expression. Results In this study, we combined computational and biochemical methods to analyze the influence of these factors on the expression of different segments of hepatitis E virus (HEV) ORF 2 protein and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). Three out of five HEV antigens were expressed while all three HBsAg fragments were not. The computational analysis revealed a significant difference in nucleotide distribution between expressed and non-expressed genes; and all these non-expressing constructs shared similar stable 5′-end mRNA secondary structures that affected the accessibility of both Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence and start codon AUG. By modifying the 5′-end of HEV and HBV non-expressed genes, there was a significant increase in the total free energy of the mRNA secondary structures that permitted the exposure of the SD sequence and the start codon, which in turn, led to the successful expression of these genes in E. coli. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the mRNA secondary structure near the start codon is the key limiting factor for an efficient expression of HEV ORF2 proteins in E. coli. It describes also a simple and effective strategy for the production of viral proteins of different lengths for immunogenicity/antigenicity comparative studies during vaccine and diagnostics development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12934-017-0812-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouredine Behloul
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 DingJiaQiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjuan Wei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 DingJiaQiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sarra Baha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 DingJiaQiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 DingJiaQiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiyue Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jihong Meng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, 87 DingJiaQiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Prost S, Crossan CL, Dalton HR, De Man RA, Kamar N, Selves J, Dhaliwal C, Scobie L, Bellamy COC. Detection of viral hepatitis E in clinical liver biopsies. Histopathology 2017; 71:580-590. [DOI: 10.1111/his.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Prost
- Department of Pathology; Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh; Edinburgh UK
| | - Claire L Crossan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Glasgow Caledonian University; Glasgow UK
| | - Harry R Dalton
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health; University of Exeter; Exeter UK
| | - Robert A De Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Erasmus Medical Center; Rotterdam the Netherlands
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology and Organ Transplantation; Université Paul Sabatier; Toulouse France
| | - Janick Selves
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse; Department of Pathology; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse; Toulouse France
| | | | - Linda Scobie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Glasgow Caledonian University; Glasgow UK
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39
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Pork products associated with human infection caused by an emerging phylotype of hepatitis E virus in England and Wales. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:2417-2423. [PMID: 28756783 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268817001388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2010, human hepatitis E infections have increased in England and Wales. Most cases are locally acquired and caused by hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV G3). HEV G3 is linked to the consumption of pork products. The increase is associated with the emergence of a new phylotype, HEV G3-group 2 (G3-2, also known as G3abcdhij). Sixty individuals with confirmed hepatitis E infection and no history of travel outside the UK were recruited: 19 were infected with HEV G3-group 1 (G3-1 or G3efg) and 41 with G3-2. Epidemiological data relating to usual shopping habits and consumption of ham and sausages were analysed together with typing data to identify any associations with HEV phylotype. Study participants who purchased ham and/or sausage from a major supermarket were more likely to have HEV G3-2 infection (Relative risks 1·85, P = 0·06, CI 0·97-3·53). The HEV G3-2 phylotype has not been detected in indigenous UK pigs and it is suggested that human infections could be the result of consumption of products made from pork originating outside the UK. This does not infer blame on the supermarket but the epidemiology of HEV is dynamic and reflects complex animal husbandry practices which need to be explored further.
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Ricci A, Allende A, Bolton D, Chemaly M, Davies R, Fernandez Escamez PS, Herman L, Koutsoumanis K, Lindqvist R, Nørrung B, Robertson L, Ru G, Sanaa M, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Snary E, Speybroeck N, Ter Kuile B, Threlfall J, Wahlström H, Di Bartolo I, Johne R, Pavio N, Rutjes S, van der Poel W, Vasickova P, Hempen M, Messens W, Rizzi V, Latronico F, Girones R. Public health risks associated with hepatitis E virus (HEV) as a food-borne pathogen. EFSA J 2017; 15:e04886. [PMID: 32625551 PMCID: PMC7010180 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.4886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important infection in humans in EU/EEA countries, and over the last 10 years more than 21,000 acute clinical cases with 28 fatalities have been notified with an overall 10-fold increase in reported HEV cases; the majority (80%) of cases were reported from France, Germany and the UK. However, as infection in humans is not notifiable in all Member States, and surveillance differs between countries, the number of reported cases is not comparable and the true number of cases would probably be higher. Food-borne transmission of HEV appears to be a major route in Europe; pigs and wild boars are the main source of HEV. Outbreaks and sporadic cases have been identified in immune-competent persons as well as in recognised risk groups such as those with pre-existing liver damage, immunosuppressive illness or receiving immunosuppressive treatments. The opinion reviews current methods for the detection, identification, characterisation and tracing of HEV in food-producing animals and foods, reviews literature on HEV reservoirs and food-borne pathways, examines information on the epidemiology of HEV and its occurrence and persistence in foods, and investigates possible control measures along the food chain. Presently, the only efficient control option for HEV infection from consumption of meat, liver and products derived from animal reservoirs is sufficient heat treatment. The development of validated quantitative and qualitative detection methods, including infectivity assays and consensus molecular typing protocols, is required for the development of quantitative microbial risk assessments and efficient control measures. More research on the epidemiology and control of HEV in pig herds is required in order to minimise the proportion of pigs that remain viraemic or carry high levels of virus in intestinal contents at the time of slaughter. Consumption of raw pig, wild boar and deer meat products should be avoided.
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Hepatitis E Virus Genotypes and Evolution: Emergence of Camel Hepatitis E Variants. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040869. [PMID: 28425927 PMCID: PMC5412450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of viral hepatitis globally. Zoonotic HEV is an important cause of chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients. The rapid identification of novel HEV variants and accumulating sequence information has prompted significant changes in taxonomy of the family Hepeviridae. This family includes two genera: Orthohepevirus, which infects terrestrial vertebrates, and Piscihepevirus, which infects fish. Within Orthohepevirus, there are four species, A–D, with widely differing host range. Orthohepevirus A contains the HEV variants infecting humans and its significance continues to expand with new clinical information. We now recognize eight genotypes within Orthohepevirus A: HEV1 and HEV2, restricted to humans; HEV3, which circulates among humans, swine, rabbits, deer and mongooses; HEV4, which circulates between humans and swine; HEV5 and HEV6, which are found in wild boars; and HEV7 and HEV8, which were recently identified in dromedary and Bactrian camels, respectively. HEV7 is an example of a novel genotype that was found to have significance to human health shortly after discovery. In this review, we summarize recent developments in HEV molecular taxonomy, epidemiology and evolution and describe the discovery of novel camel HEV genotypes as an illustrative example of the changes in this field.
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Brown A, Halliday JS, Swadling L, Madden RG, Bendall R, Hunter JG, Maggs J, Simmonds P, Smith DB, Vine L, McLaughlin C, Collier J, Bonsall D, Jeffery K, Dunachie S, Klenerman P, Izopet J, Kamar N, Dalton HR, Barnes E. Characterization of the Specificity, Functionality, and Durability of Host T-Cell Responses Against the Full-Length Hepatitis E Virus. Hepatology 2016; 64:1934-1950. [PMID: 27631819 PMCID: PMC5132006 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The interplay between host antiviral immunity and immunopathology during hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection determines important clinical outcomes. We characterized the specificity, functionality, and durability of host T-cell responses against the full-length HEV virus and assessed a novel "Quantiferon" assay for the rapid diagnosis of HEV infection. Eighty-nine volunteers were recruited from Oxford, Truro (UK), and Toulouse (France), including 44 immune-competent patients with acute HEV infection, 18 HEV-exposed immunosuppressed organ-transplant recipients (8 with chronic HEV), and 27 healthy volunteers. A genotype 3a peptide library (616 overlapping peptides spanning open reading frames [ORFs] 1-3) was used in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) T-cell ELISpot assays. CD4+ /CD8+ T-cell subsets and polyfunctionality were defined using ICCS and SPICE analysis. Quantification of IFN-γ used whole-blood stimulation with recombinant HEV-capsid protein in the QuantiFERON kit. HEV-specific T-cell responses were detected in 41/44 immune-competent HEV exposed volunteers (median magnitude: 397 spot-forming units/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells), most frequently targeting ORF2. High-magnitude, polyfunctional CD4 and CD8+ T cells were detected during acute disease and maintained to 12 years, but these declined over time, with CD8+ responses becoming more monofunctional. Low-level responses were detectable in immunosuppressed patients. Twenty-three novel HEV CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell targets were mapped predominantly to conserved genomic regions. QuantiFERON testing demonstrated an inverse correlation between IFN-γ production and the time from clinical presentation, providing 100% specificity, and 71% sensitivity (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.86) for HEV exposure at 0.3 IU/mL. CONCLUSION Robust HEV-specific T-cell responses generated during acute disease predominantly target ORF2, but decline in magnitude and polyfunctionality over time. Defining HEV T-cell targets will be important for the investigation of HEV-associated autoimmune disease. (Hepatology 2016;64:1934-1950).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Brown
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - John S. Halliday
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,The Royal Melbourne HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Leo Swadling
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - James Maggs
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of EdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Donald B. Smith
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of EdinburghUnited Kingdom
| | - Louisa Vine
- The Royal Cornwall HospitalTruroUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Jane Collier
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - David Bonsall
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Katie Jeffery
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Susanna Dunachie
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global HealthUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUnited Kingdom,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)Oxford Biomedical Research CentreOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Eleanor Barnes
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustOxfordUnited Kingdom,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)Oxford Biomedical Research CentreOxfordUnited Kingdom
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43
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Sayed IM, Vercouter AS, Meuleman P. Hepatitis E virus in acute liver failure: An unusual suspect? Hepatology 2016; 64:1837-1839. [PMID: 27496198 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M Sayed
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ann-Sofie Vercouter
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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44
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The effect of phylogenetic signal reduction on genotyping of hepatitis E viruses of the species Orthohepevirus A. Arch Virol 2016; 162:645-656. [PMID: 27817109 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-3135-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Commonly, hepatitis E virus (HEV) sequences are genotyped phylogenetically using subgenomic sequences. This paper examines this practice with sequences from members of the species Orthohepevirus A. As the length of sequences becomes progressively shorter, the number of identical sequences in an alignment tends to increase; however, these sequences retain their genotypic identity down to 100 nucleotides in length. The best substitution models tend to become less parameterized, bootstrap support decreases, and trees created from short subgenomic fragments are less likely to be isomorphic with trees from longer subgenomic fragments or complete genome sequences. However, it is still possible to correctly genotype sequences using fragments as small as 200 nucleotides. While it is possible to correctly genotype sequences with short subgenomic sequences, the estimates of evolutionary relationships between genotypes degrade to such an extent that sequences below 1600 nucleotides long cannot be used reliably to study these relationships, and comparisons of trees from different subgenomic regions with little or no sequence overlap can be problematic. Subtyping may be done, but it requires a careful examination of the region to be used to ensure that it correctly resolves the subtypes.
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45
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Doceul V, Bagdassarian E, Demange A, Pavio N. Zoonotic Hepatitis E Virus: Classification, Animal Reservoirs and Transmission Routes. Viruses 2016; 8:v8100270. [PMID: 27706110 PMCID: PMC5086606 DOI: 10.3390/v8100270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past ten years, several new hepatitis E viruses (HEVs) have been identified in various animal species. In parallel, the number of reports of autochthonous hepatitis E in Western countries has increased as well, raising the question of what role these possible animal reservoirs play in human infections. The aim of this review is to present the recent discoveries of animal HEVs and their classification within the Hepeviridae family, their zoonotic and species barrier crossing potential, and possible use as models to study hepatitis E pathogenesis. Lastly, this review describes the transmission pathways identified from animal sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Doceul
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Animal Health Laboratory, UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France.
- French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
- Association of Universities and High Education Institutions (ComUE), Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne University, National Veterinary School, UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Eugénie Bagdassarian
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Animal Health Laboratory, UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France.
- French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
- Association of Universities and High Education Institutions (ComUE), Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne University, National Veterinary School, UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Antonin Demange
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Animal Health Laboratory, UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France.
- French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
- Association of Universities and High Education Institutions (ComUE), Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne University, National Veterinary School, UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Nicole Pavio
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Animal Health Laboratory, UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France.
- French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
- Association of Universities and High Education Institutions (ComUE), Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne University, National Veterinary School, UMR (joint research unit) 1161 Virology, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France.
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46
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O'Riordan J, Boland F, Williams P, Donnellan J, Hogema BM, Ijaz S, Murphy WG. Hepatitis E virus infection in the Irish blood donor population. Transfusion 2016; 56:2868-2876. [DOI: 10.1111/trf.13757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joan O'Riordan
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, National Blood Centre; Dublin Ireland
| | - Fiona Boland
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, National Blood Centre; Dublin Ireland
| | - Padraig Williams
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, National Blood Centre; Dublin Ireland
| | - Joe Donnellan
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, National Blood Centre; Dublin Ireland
| | - Boris M. Hogema
- Departments of Blood-borne Infections and Virology; Sanquin Research and Diagnostic Services; Amsterdam the Netherlands
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department; National Infection Service, Public Health England; London UK
| | - William G. Murphy
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, National Blood Centre; Dublin Ireland
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47
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Garraud O, Filho LA, Laperche S, Tayou-Tagny C, Pozzetto B. The infectious risks in blood transfusion as of today - A no black and white situation. Presse Med 2016; 45:e303-11. [PMID: 27476017 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2016.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfusion has been tainted with the risk of contracting an infection - often severe - and fears about this risk are still prevailing, in sharp contrast with the actual risk in Western countries. Those actual risks are rather immunological, technical (overload) or metabolic. Meanwhile, in developing countries and particularly in Africa, transfusion transmitted infections (TTIs) are still frequent, because of both the scarcity of volunteer blood donors and resources and the high incidence and prevalence of infections. Global safety of blood components has been declared as a goal to be attained everywhere by the World Heath Organization (WHO). However, this challenge is difficult to meet because of several intricate factors, of which the emergence of infectious agents, low income and breaches in sanitation and hygiene. This review aims at encompassing the situation of TTIs in different settings and means that can be deployed to improve the situation where this can possibly be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Garraud
- Université de Lyon, faculté de médecine de Saint-Étienne, GIMAP 3064, 42023 Saint-Étienne, France; Institut national de la transfusion sanguine, 6, rue Alexandre-Cabanel, 75015 Paris, France.
| | | | - Syria Laperche
- Institut national de la transfusion sanguine, 6, rue Alexandre-Cabanel, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Claude Tayou-Tagny
- Faculté de médecine et des sciences biomédicales, université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Bruno Pozzetto
- Université de Lyon, faculté de médecine de Saint-Étienne, GIMAP 3064, 42023 Saint-Étienne, France; University hospital of de Saint-Étienne, laboratoire des agents infectieux et d'hygiène, 42055 Saint-Étienne, France
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48
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Detection and genetic characterization of hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 subtype c in wild boars in Italy. Arch Virol 2016; 161:2829-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-2964-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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49
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Harritshøj LH, Holm DK, Saekmose SG, Jensen BA, Hogema BM, Fischer TK, Midgley SE, Krog JS, Erikstrup C, Ullum H. Low transfusion transmission of hepatitis E among 25,637 single-donation, nucleic acid-tested blood donors. Transfusion 2016; 56:2225-32. [PMID: 27385646 DOI: 10.1111/trf.13700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus genotype-3 (HEV-gt-3) causes autochthonous infections in western countries, with a primary reservoir in animals, especially pigs. HEV transfusion transmission has been reported, and HEV-gt-3 prevalence is high in some European countries. The prevalence of HEV RNA was investigated among Danish blood donors, and the prevalence of HEV transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI) was investigated among recipients. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Samples from 25,637 consenting donors collected during 1 month in 2015 were screened retrospectively using an individual-donation HEV RNA nucleic acid test with a 95% detection probability of 7.9 IU/mL. HEV-positive samples were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and genotyped. Transmission was evaluated among recipients of HEV RNA-positive blood components. Phylogenetic analyses compared HEV sequences from blood donors, symptomatic patients, and swine. RESULTS Eleven donations (0.04%) were confirmed as positive for HEV RNA (median HEV RNA level, 13 IU/mL). Two donations were successfully genotyped as HEV-gt-3. Only one donor had a travel history outside Europe. Nine of 11 donors were male, but the gender ratio was nonsignificant compared with the total donor population. Seven available recipients tested negative for HEV RNA and anti-HEV immunoglobulin M in follow-up samples. One recipient was HEV RNA-negative but anti-HEV immunoglobulin G-positive. HEV TTI was considered unlikely, but a transfusion-induced secondary immune response could not be excluded. Phylogenetic analysis showed relatively large sequence differences between HEV from donors, symptomatic patients, and swine. CONCLUSIONS Despite an HEV RNA prevalence of 0.04% in Danish blood donations, all HEV-positive donations carried low viral loads, and no evidence of TTI was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene H Harritshøj
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte K Holm
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Bitten A Jensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Boris M Hogema
- Departments of Blood-borne Infections and Virology, Sanquin Research and Diagnostic Services, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thea K Fischer
- Virus Surveillance and Research Section, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofie E Midgley
- Virus Surveillance and Research Section, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper S Krog
- Section for Diagnostics and Scientific Advice, National Veterinary Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Ullum
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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50
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Kuniholm MH, Ong E, Hogema BM, Koppelman M, Anastos K, Peters MG, Seaberg EC, Chen Y, Nelson KE, Linnen JM. Acute and Chronic Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected U.S. Women. Hepatology 2016; 63:712-20. [PMID: 26646162 PMCID: PMC4764464 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Exposure to hepatitis E virus (HEV) is common in the United States, but there are few data on prevalence of HEV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection in U.S. POPULATIONS We tested 2,919 plasma samples collected from HIV-infected (HIV(+)) women and men enrolled in U.S. cohort studies for HEV viremia using a high-throughput nucleic acid testing (NAT) platform. NAT(+) samples were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Samples were selected for testing primarily on the basis of biomarkers of liver disease and immune suppression. Prevalence of HEV viremia was 3 of 2,606 and 0 of 313 in tested plasma samples collected from HIV(+) women and men, respectively. All HEV isolates were genotype 3a. Based on follow-up testing of stored samples, 1 woman had chronic HEV infection for >4 years whereas 2 women had acute HEV detectable at only a single study visit. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of chronic HEV infection in an HIV(+) U.S. individual. We also confirm that chronic HEV infection can persist despite a CD4(+) count >200 cells/mm(3). Overall, though, these data suggest that HEV infection is rare in the HIV(+) U.S. population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark H. Kuniholm
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Boris M. Hogema
- Sanquin Research and Diagnostics, Departments of Virology, Blood-borne Infections and the National Screening Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco Koppelman
- Sanquin Research and Diagnostics, Departments of Virology, Blood-borne Infections and the National Screening Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kathryn Anastos
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA,Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marion G. Peters
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Eric C. Seaberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kenrad E. Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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