scholarly journals Comparison of Hepatitis E Virus Sequences from Humans and Swine, the Netherlands, 1998–2015

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1265
Author(s):  
Boris M. Hogema ◽  
Renate W. Hakze-van der Hakze-van der Honing ◽  
Michel Molier ◽  
Hans L. Zaaijer ◽  
Wim H. M. van der van der Poel
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Sequence Comparison ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Transmission Route ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Travel History ◽  
Predominant Subtype

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.

scholarly journals Silent hepatitis E virus infection in Dutch blood donors, 2011 to 2012

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (31) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Slot ◽  
B M Hogema ◽  
A Riezebos-Brilman ◽  
T M Kok ◽  
M Molier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Blood Donation ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Genotype 3

In Europe, the dynamics of endemic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection remain enigmatic. We studied the presence of silent HEV infection among Dutch blood donors. Using donations collected throughout the Netherlands in 2011 and 2012, 40,176 donations were tested for HEV RNA in 459 pools of 48 or 480 donations. Deconstruction of the reactive pools identified 13 viraemic donors. In addition, 5,239 donors were tested for presence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM and for HEV RNA when IgM-positive. Of the 5,239 donations, 1,401 (27%) tested repeat-positive for HEV IgG, of which 49 (3.5%) also tested positive for anti-HEV IgM. Four of the HEV IgM-positive donors tested positive for HEV RNA. HEV IgG seroprevalence ranged from 13% among donors younger than 30 years to 43% in donors older than 60 years. The finding of 17 HEV RNA-positive donations among 45,415 donations corresponds to one HEV-positive blood donation per day in the Netherlands. For 16 of the 17 HEV RNA-positive donors, genotyping succeeded, revealing HEV genotype 3, which is circulating among Dutch pigs. Apparently, silent HEV infection is common in the Netherlands, which possibly applies to larger parts of Europe.

scholarly journals Prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies in Serbian blood donors

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1322-1327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamaš Petrović ◽  
Diana Lupulović ◽  
Nereida Jiménez de Oya ◽  
Svetlana Vojvodić ◽  
Ana-Belén Blázquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Introduction: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is rarely reported in industrialized countries, but recent studies have revealed quite variable seroprevalence rates among European populations, including blood donors. In Serbia, very limited data about HEV seroprevalence are available. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies and HEV RNA in the sera of volunteer blood donors in Serbia. Methodology: Serum samples from 200 volunteer blood donors were tested for the presence of anti-HEV IgG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using ORF-2 HEV genotype 3 recombinant proteins as antigen, and for the presence of HEV RNA by nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In total, 15% of the volunteer blood donors were seropositive. The prevalence increased with age; 21.5%, 14.2%, and 5.4% HEV seroprevalence rates were found in individuals older than 51 years, between 31 and 50 years, and in those younger than 30 years of age, respectively. However, no HEV RNA was detected in any of the individuals analyzed. Conclusions: The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG among blood donors as representatives of the general population is quite high in Serbia compared to data from many European countries. One of the reasons for this could be the high prevalence of HEV among Serbian pigs and the traditional consumption of piglet meat in the country. The relatively high HEV seroprevalence found among Serbian blood donors indicates the need for further investigation.

Hepatitis E Virus RNA in Commercial Porcine Livers in The Netherlands

2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (12) ◽  
pp. 2889-2895 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARTIJN BOUWKNEGT ◽  
FROUKJE LODDER-VERSCHOOR ◽  
WIM H. M. VAN DER POEL ◽  
SASKIA A. RUTJES ◽  
ANA MARIA DE RODA HUSMAN
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blot Hybridization ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Southern Blot Hybridization ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Extraction Methods ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Potential Health

Human hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections by genotype 3 strains in industrialized countries are hypothesized to be caused by pigs. To examine this hypothesis, the potential health risks of transmission routes should be examined. Possible foodborne transmission was studied by quantifying the presence and infectivity of HEV in commercial porcine livers in The Netherlands. A comparison of four tissue disruption and seven RNA extraction methods revealed that mechanical disruption followed by silica-based RNA extraction gave the highest RNA yields and was therefore employed on commercial porcine livers. Four (6.5%) of 62 porcine livers were HEV RNA positive by reverse transcriptase PCR and Southern blot hybridization. Each positive liver was estimated to contain ∼65 PCR-detectable units per g. Sequences were obtained for three of four positive livers and classified as HEV genotype 3. Ninety-three percent similarity to Dutch human HEV sequences and 97% similarity to Dutch swine HEV sequences were observed. To determine whether positive livers contained infectious HEV particles, extracts from livers with known HEV RNA sequences were inoculated intravenously in pigs. Two control pigs were included: one was inoculated with a high dose known to result in infection (104 PCR-detectable units of HEV RNA), and the other was inoculated with a lower concentration of virus that equaled the concentration of PCR-detectable units in commercial livers (∼20 PCR-detectable units). Infection was observed in the high-dose control, but not in other pigs, suggesting a dose-dependent response in pigs. Hence, the implications of HEV RNA in commercial porcine livers in The Netherlands are unknown. However, HEV RNA is present in commercial porcine livers, and sufficient heating of porcine livers before consumption as precautionary measure is recommended.

scholarly journals Non-travel related Hepatitis E virus genotype 3 infections in the Netherlands; A case series 2004 – 2006

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrine Borgen ◽  
Tineke Herremans ◽  
Erwin Duizer ◽  
Harry Vennema ◽  
Saskia Rutjes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Virus Genotype

scholarly journals Sources of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 in the Netherlands

2009 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia A. Rutjes ◽  
Willemijn J. Lodder ◽  
Froukje Lodder-Verschoor ◽  
Harold H.J.L. van den Berg ◽  
Harry Vennema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Virus Genotype

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E antibodies and risk profile of HEV seropositivity in The Netherlands, 2006–2007

2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (10) ◽  
pp. 1838-1847 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. VERHOEF ◽  
M. KOOPMANS ◽  
E. DUIZER ◽  
J. BAKKER ◽  
J. REIMERINK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
Independent Association

SUMMARYHepatitis E virus (HEV) is now considered an endemic pathogen in industrialized countries, leading to acute and sometimes chronic hepatitis, mostly in vulnerable people. The endemic sources are unclear. A survey in The Netherlands in 2006–2007 showed a 1·9% seroprevalence of HEV antibodies measured by ELISA and confirmed by immunoblot in a nationwide sample. Overall, in 134/7072 (1·9%) seropositive individuals, older age (P<0·01), being male (P<0·01), working with patients (P=0·03), working with animals (P=0·07), recent diarrhoeal complaints (P=0·07) and adhering to a religion that considers pigs unclean (P<0·01) were independently associated with seropositivity in multivariate analysis. Sub-analysis of 59/4022 (1·5%) anti-HEV antibody-positive subjects with probable endemic exposure showed independent association with youngest household member being aged <5 years or between 19 and <65 years (P=0·05) in multivariate analysis. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the sources of endemic HEV exposure, and also highlight the need for systematic epidemiological and serological evaluation of new cases.

Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis E virus among Japanese blood donors: Identification of three blood donors infected with a genotype 3 hepatitis E virus

2004 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 554-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoko Fukuda ◽  
Junko Sunaga ◽  
Nobuo Saito ◽  
Kuniko Fujimura ◽  
Yaeko Itoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Genotype 3

scholarly journals High prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus antibodies among blood donors in central Italy, February to March 2014

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (30) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Lucarelli ◽  
Enea Spada ◽  
Gloria Taliani ◽  
Paola Chionne ◽  
Elisabetta Madonna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Recent Infection ◽  
Assay Sensitivity ◽  
Prevalence Rate Ratio

Prevalence of anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies is highly variable in developed countries, which seems partly due to differences in assay sensitivity. Using validated sensitive assays, we tested 313 blood donors attending a hospital transfusion unit in central Italy in January and February 2014 for anti-HEV IgG and IgM and HEV RNA. Data on HEV exposure were collected from all donors. Overall anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 49% (153/313). Eating raw dried pig-liver sausage was the only independent predictor of HEV infection (adjusted prevalence rate ratio = 2.14; 95% confidence interval: 1.23–3.74). Three donors were positive for either anti-HEV IgM (n = 2; 0.6%) or HEV RNA (n = 2; 0.6%); they were completely asymptomatic, without alanine aminotransferase (ALT) abnormalities. Of the two HEV RNA-positive donors (both harbouring genotype 3), one was anti-HEV IgG- and IgM-positive, the other was anti-HEV IgG- and IgM-negative. The third donor was positive for anti-HEV IgG and IgM but HEV RNA-negative. HEV infection is therefore hyperendemic among blood donors (80% men 18–64 years-old) from central Italy and associated with local dietary habits. Nearly 1% of donors have acute or recent infection, implying potential transmission to blood recipients. Neither ALT nor anti-HEV IgM testing seems useful to prevent transfusion-transmitted HEV infection.

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