Abstract
AimThe aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors in southwest Switzerland.BackgroundHEV is recognized as a food-borne disease in industrialized countries, transmitted mainly through pork meat. Cases of transmission through blood transfusion have also been reported. Recent studies have revealed seroprevalence rates of 13.5%, 16.6% and 20.6% among blood donors in England, France and Denmark, respectively.MethodsWe analyzed 550 consecutive blood donor samples collected in the region of Lausanne, canton of Vaud, Switzerland, for the presence of anti-HEV IgG, using the MP Diagnostics HEV ELISA kit. For each donor, we documented age, sex and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value.ResultsThe study panel was composed of 332 men (60.4%) and 218 women (39.6%). Overall, anti-HEV IgG was found in 27 of 550 samples (4.9%). The seroprevalence was 5.4% (18/332) in men and 4.1% (9/218) in women. The presence of anti-HEV IgG was not correlated with age, gender or ALT values. However, we observed a peak in seroprevalence of 5.3% in individuals aged 51 to 70 years old.ConclusionsCompared with other European countries, HEV seroprevalence among blood donors in southwest Switzerland is low. The low seroprevalence may be explained by the sensitivity of commercial tests used and/or the strict regulation of animal and meat imports. Data regarding HEV prevalence in Swiss livestock are lacking and merit exploration.
Highlights
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was discovered in 1983 and cloned in 1991
We analyzed 550 consecutive blood donor samples collected in the region of Lausanne, canton of Vaud, Switzerland, for the presence of anti-HEV IgG, using the MP Diagnostics HEV ELISA kit
The presence of anti-HEV IgG was not correlated with age, gender or alanine aminotransferase. doi (ALT) values
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was discovered in 1983 and cloned in 1991. The virus is transmitted predominantly by way of the enteral route and may cause waterborne epidemics of hepatitis in developing countries. Genotypes differ with respect to host species and epidemiological distribution. Genotypes 1 and 2 infect only humans and are endemic in many parts of Asia, Africa and South America. Genotypes 3 and 4 infect humans, pigs and other animal species. Genotype 3 causes sporadic cases of acute hepatitis in North and South America, Europe and Asia whereas genotype 4 is essentially restricted to Asia. Genotype 5 infects avian species [2,3]. HEV is recognized as a food-borne disease in industrialized countries, transmitted mainly through pork meat. Cases of transmission through blood transfusion have been reported. Recent studies have revealed seroprevalence rates of 13.5%, 16.6% and 20.6% among blood donors in England, France and Denmark, respectively
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