Incidence of Hepatitis E Antibodies in Swedish Lung Transplant Recipients

Abstract

BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important cause of acute and chronic hepatitis in solid organ transplant recipients, especially liver transplant recipients. However, less is known of the incidence and prevalence of HEV in lung transplant recipients. MethodsIn a prospective study, 62 patients were observed during the first year after lung transplantation. Sera were analyzed for anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM at 12 months after transplantation. Samples positive for anti-HEV were also analyzed for HEV RNA by polymerase chain reaction. Pretransplantation samples were analyzed for patients with detectable anti-HEV 1 year after transplantation. ResultsEight patients (13%) had anti-HEV IgG at the 12-month follow-up sample. HEV RNA could not be detected in any of these samples. One of these patients seroconverted during the follow-up without developing acute or chronic hepatitis. ConclusionsOur results show that the prevalence of HEV antibodies among Swedish lung transplant recipients is similar when compared to the general population. It also suggests that the risk for HEV antibody seroconversion during first year is limited.