戊型肝炎病毒感染实验室诊断方法研究进展

戊型肝炎是由戊型肝炎病毒(Hepatitis E Virus,HEV)引起的急性病毒性肝炎,已经成为威胁人群健康的公共卫生问题。HEV主要通过消化道传播,但随着HEV输血传播病例的报道,HEV给输血安全带来的风险也受到人们的重视。通过分析戊型肝炎现有的诊断手段,以对献血员的HEV筛查提供借鉴作用,这对输血安全中戊型肝炎的预防和控制具有重大意义。目前常用的戊型肝炎检测指标主要包括:HEV RNA、HEV抗原、抗-HEV IgM、抗-HEV IgG。核酸检测是戊型肝炎诊断的"金标准",对于慢性戊型肝炎患者、免疫缺陷人群及无肝炎症状的HEV感染者都有着特别优势。HEV抗原作为HEV现症感染指标,对于血站HEV筛查和急性戊型肝炎诊断有很好的应用价值。抗-HEV IgM是HEV近期感染的标志,不能作为HEV现症感染的单一指标。而抗-HEV IgG只能指示HEV既往感染,不适用于急性戊型肝炎的诊断。目前,献血员HEV检测主要以核酸检测为基础,而HEV抗原检测可能弥补HEV RNA的检测不足。在未来,抗原检测和抗体检测对于献血员HEV筛查的价值还有待更多的研究评价。     

戊型肝炎病毒与HBV重叠感染患者的血清学分析

目的了解戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)感染情况以及乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)重叠感染戊型肝炎病毒的血清学特点及临床意义。方法对HEV、HBV感染以及HBV重叠HEV感染进行血清学检测并进行统计学分析。结果 HBV重叠感染HEV病例多分布青壮年,且女性多于男性;重叠感染患者的年龄高峰都在21~40岁;HEV感染组与HBV-HEV重叠感染组比较,ALP、TB IL存在明显差异,胆汁淤积增多,黄疸程度加深,肝细胞损伤明显。结论 HEV主要侵犯青壮年,HBV重叠HEV感染后肝细胞损害加重,病情趋向重症化。     

不同人类免疫缺陷病毒感染途径群体中戊型肝炎病毒的流行情况

本研究旨在了解不同人类免疫缺陷病毒(human immunodeficiency virus,HIV)感染途径群体中戊型肝炎病毒(hepatitis E virus,HEV)抗体情况,探讨HEV疫苗接种的必要性。采集HIV感染者的血清或血浆,利用酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)检测HEV IgG抗体、IgM抗体及抗原,荧光定量聚合酶链反应(polymerase chain reaction,PCR)检测HEV核酸,Roche高纯化HIV-1核酸定量检测试剂盒(PCR荧光法)检测HIV感染者的HIV载量。比较分析不同HIV感染途径群体中HEV流行率的差别。结果显示,HIV感染者中HEV IgG抗体的阳性率为37.4%,静脉吸毒、成分献血和传播途径不明HIV感染群体的HEV IgG抗体阳性率分别为49.3%、39.5%和30.4%。HEV核酸荧光PCR检测结果均为阴性。3种HIV感染群体之间HEV IgG抗体阳性率差异无统计学意义(χ~2=2.978,P0.05)。HEV IgG阳性与阴性感染者之间HIV载量差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结果提示,为保护HIV感染者免受HEV感染,应考虑接种HEV疫苗。     

上海部分地区戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)基因型的分析

为了解戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)在上海部分地区流行的基因型,采用RT-nPCR的方法检验35例急性散发性戊型肝炎患者中HEV RNA,并对阳性产物进行克隆测序,然后对其基因型进行分析.结果显示在35例急性散发性戊型肝炎患者中PCR阳性为9例,测序证实8例为HEV的基因序列;其中1例为HEV 1型,7例为HEV 4型.提示在上海部分地区的急性散发性戊型肝炎中以HEV 4型感染为主.     

大学新生戊型肝炎病毒现/近期隐性感染的筛查

为了解大学新生戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)现/近期隐性感染的状况,探讨引起隐性感染与急性戊型肝炎(HE)的HEV毒株间有无差异,本实验利用ELISA一步法检测了正常大学新生血清标本中抗-HEV IgM,对抗-HEV IgM阳性者检测抗-HEV IgG,并进行HEV逆转录-巢式PCR(RT-nPCR). 结果2223份血清中抗-HEV IgM阳性18份,阳性率0.8%,P/N值在2.0~3.0之间.17份标本抗-HEV IgM、IgG同时阳性,1份抗-HEV IgM单独阳性,但用RT-nPCR检测抗-HEV IgM阳性标本, HEV RNA均阴性.提示正常大学新生中存在HEV现/近期隐性感染,应注意感染者作为传染源的可能性;HEV隐性感染时,产生的抗体滴度或亲和力较低,病毒血症时间短,病毒滴度低,或毒株的基因序列与引起急性HE的毒株的序列有一定差异.     

大学新生戊型肝炎病毒现／近期隐性感染的筛查

为了解大学新生戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)现／近期隐性感染的状况,探讨引起隐性感染与急性戊型肝炎(HE)的HEV毒株间有无差异,本实验利用ELISA一步法检测了正常大学新生血清标本中抗—HEV IgM,对抗—HEV IgM阳性者检测抗—HEV IgG,并进行HEV逆转录一巢式PCR（RT-nPCR)。结果 2223份血清中抗—HEV IgM阳性18份,阳性率0．8％,P/N值在2．0—3．0之间。17份标本抗—HEV IgM、IgG同时阳性,1份抗—HEV IgM单独阳性,但用RT-nPCR检测抗—HEV IgM阳性标本,HEV RNA均阴性。提示正常大学新生中存在HEV现/近期隐性感染,应注意感染者作为传染源的可能性;HEV隐性感染时,产生的抗体滴度或亲和力较低,病毒血症时间短,病毒滴度低,或毒株的基因序列与引起急性HE的毒株的序列有一定差异。     

猪戊型肝炎病毒防控及研究策略分析

戊型肝炎为人畜共患病病原, 猪是主要的病毒储库。我国猪场戊肝病毒流行情况复杂, 猪感染率高, 同一地点存在3型或/和4型两种基因型混合污染。病毒存在基因重组和准种现象, 为病毒遗传进化提供了遗传基础。当前猪戊肝感染人的主要媒介为污染的猪肉及其制品, 其他感染机制和途径还有待进一步阐明。应加强对猪HEV与猪场其他流行病原体相互关系的研究, 同时应加强猪HEV相关信息的积累分析包括对猪HEV感染特性和遗传特性进行实时监测, 将猪HEV流行情况纳入兽医公共卫生预警体系, 实现常态跟踪。     

新疆地区猪戊型肝炎血清流行病学调查

戊型肝炎(HE)是一种经粪-口传播的疾病,在发展中国家造成非常严重的健康问题.近年来的研究证实发达国家也存在戊型肝炎问题.该病主要威胁青壮年,孕妇病死率可高达20%.我国自1982年起就有HE的报道,新疆是HE的高流行区.由于HEV的组织培养研究尚不成熟,因此其诊断手段主要是利用RT-PCR检测病毒RNA,或利用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测抗体.而用于血清学检测的抗原主要来自HEV ORF2和ORF3的产物,并且用ORF2产物建立的检测法有足够的敏感性和特异性.自Meng[1]1997年从美国猪体内克隆出戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)基因后,我国以及加拿大,西班牙,新西兰,澳大利亚,印度等国家也都克隆出本国猪HEV基因.虽然我国也进行了猪HEV的检测,但在1988年爆发过人源戊型肝炎的新疆地区猪群感染HEV的情况还不清楚.本研究调查了HEV在猪群的感染状况,对新疆不同地区,猪场,年龄段及品种的猪进行HE的血清学检测.     

上海部分地区戊型肝炎病毒（HEV）基因型的分析

为了解戊型肝炎病毒 (HEV)在上海部分地区流行的基因型 ,采用RT nPCR的方法检验 35例急性散发性戊型肝炎患者中HEVRNA ,并对阳性产物进行克隆测序 ,然后对其基因型进行分析。结果显示在 35例急性散发性戊型肝炎患者中PCR阳性为 9例 ,测序证实 8例为HEV的基因序列 ;其中 1例为HEV 1型 ,7例为HEV 4型。提示在上海部分地区的急性散发性戊型肝炎中以HEV 4型感染为主     

戊型肝炎病毒实验感染恒河猴的研究

报道了用戊型肝炎(Hepatitis E, HE)病人粪便悬液感染恒河猴后的组织病理学、血液生化与免疫学以及病毒学分子生物学检测的结果.三只实验猴在感染后第3～4周均出现ALT异常;粪便以及肝脏与胆囊组织超薄切片中电镜观察到27～34nm大小的病毒样颗粒;病理组织切片观察表明,肝脏组织有典型的急性炎症病灶;粪便与血清经RT-nPCR扩增到戊型肝炎病毒(Hepatitis E Virus, HEV)特异性片段,粪便排毒从感染后第7天持续至第50天左右,病毒血症迟于粪便排毒,出现于感染后两周左右,维持1～2周;ELISA检测发现,实验猴血清中HEV IgG抗体水平在感染后3～4周阳转,4～5个月后转阴.这些实验结果提示,恒河猴作为HEV感染实验动物模型是理想的,建立系统的恒河猴实验模型对探讨HEV感染发病机理、机体免疫应答以及临床诊断与疫苗研制具有重要意义.     

Hepatitis E virus infection in selected Brazilian populations

A retrospective study on the prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection was conducted in selected populations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 1,115 subjects were tested including 146 patients with acute Non-A Non-B Non-C (NANBNC) viral hepatitis, 65 hemodialysis patients, 93 blood donors, 102 intravenous drug users (IVDUs), 304 pregnant women, 145 individuals living in the rural area and 260 individuals living in the urban area. In order to characterize a favorable epidemiological set for enterically transmitted infection in the studied populations we also evaluated the prevalence of anti-HAV IgG (hepatitis A virus) antibodies. Specific antibodies to HEV (anti-HEV IgG) were detected by a commercial EIA and specific antibodies to HAV (anti-HAV IgG) were detected using a competitive "in house" EIA. We found a high prevalence of anti-HAV IgG in these populations, that could indicate some risk for infections transmitted via the fecal-oral route. The anti-HEV IgG prevalence among the different groups were: 2.1% in patients with acute NANBNC viral hepatitis, 6.2% in hemodialysis patients, 4.3% in blood donors, 11.8% in IVDUs, 1% in pregnant women, and 2.1% in individuals form the rural area. Among individuals living in the urban area we did not find a single positive serum sample. Our results demonstrated the presence of anti-HEV IgG in almost all studied populations; however, further studies are necessary to establish the real situation of HEV epidemiology in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.     

Seroprevalence and Incidence of hepatitis E in Blood Donors in Upper Austria

Background

In recent years various studies showed, that hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a growing public health problem in many developed countries. Therefore, HEV infections might bear a transmission risk by blood transfusions. The clinical relevance still requires further investigations. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of acute HEV infections in Upper Austrian blood donors as well as a risk estimation of this transfusion-related infection.

Methods and Findings

A total of 58,915 blood donors were tested for HEV RNA using a commercial HEV RT-PCR Kit. 7 of these donors (0.01%) were PCR-positive with normal laboratory parameters in absence of clinical signs of hepatitis. Viral load determined by quantitative real-time PCR showed a HEV nucleic acid concentration of 2,217 293,635 IU/ml. At follow-up testing (2–11 weeks after donation) all blood donors had negative HEV RNA results. Additionally, genotyping was performed by amplification and sequencing of the ORF1 or ORF2 region of the HEV genome. All HEV RNA positive donor samples revealed a genotype 3 isolate. For the antibody screening, anti-HEV IgM and IgG were detected by ELISA. Follow up serological testing revealed that no donor was seropositive for HEV IgM or IgG antibodies at time of donation. Moreover, we verified the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG in 1,203 of the HEV RNA negative tested blood donors. Overall 13.55% showed positive results for anti-HEV IgG.

Conclusions

In the presented study, we investigated HEV infections in blood donations of Upper Austria over 1 year. We concluded that 1 out of 8,416 blood donations is HEV RNA positive. Seroprevalence of anti HEV IgG results in an age-related increase of 13.55%. Therefore, based on this data, we recommend HEV-PCR screening to prevent transmission of hepatitis E virus by transfusion.     

Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence among blood donors in southwest Switzerland

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) among blood donors in southwest Switzerland.

Background

HEV 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.

Methods

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. For each donor, we documented age, sex and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value.

Results

The 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.

Conclusions

Compared 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.     

Swine Is a Possible Source of Hepatitis E Virus Infection by Comparative Study of Hepatitis A and E Seroprevalence in Thailand

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in developing countries are associated with contaminated food or water. Although Thailand is non-endemic for HEV, sporadic infections may occur from zoonotic transmission. Individuals between 7 months to 69 years (mean age = 32.8) from predominantly Islamic Narathiwat (n = 305) and swine farm-dense Lop Buri (n = 416) provinces were screened for anti-HEV and anti-HAV antibodies by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, respectively. Seroprevalence and relative antibody titers were analyzed according to age groups. HAV IgG antibody positive rates in Lop Buri and Narathiwat residents were 39.9% and 58%, respectively (p < 0.001). Greater than 90% of individuals >50 years old in both provinces possessed anti-HAV IgG. In contrast, seroprevalence for anti-HEV IgG was much higher in Lop Buri (37.3%) than in Narathiwat (8.9%) (p < 0.001). Highest anti-HEV IgG prevalence was found among 21-30 year-olds (50%) in Lop Buri and 41-50 year-olds (14.1%) in Narathiwat. In summary, fewer individuals possessed anti-HEV IgG in Narathiwat where most residents abstained from pork and fewer swine farms are present. Therefore, an increased anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence was associated with the density of swine farm and possibly pork consumption. Adults were more likely than children to have antibodies to both HEV and HAV.     

Hepatitis E virus infection in two different regions of Indonesia with identification of swine HEV genotype 3

Hepatitis E is an emerging disease with a high incidence globally. Few data are available on hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Indonesia. To obtain molecular information on HEV infection in two regions of Indonesia with different customs and swine breeding conditions, serum samples from 137 swine farm workers, 100 blood donors and 100 swine (27 fecal samples also obtained) in Yogyakarta (Central Java) and from 12 and 64 swine farm workers, 42 and 135 local residents and 89 and 119 swine in Tulungagung (East Java) and Mengwi (Bali), respectively, from our previous study, were compared. Serological tests for anti‐HEV antibodies by ELISA, HEV‐RNA detection by RT‐PCR and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The total prevalence of anti‐HEV antibodies in humans was higher in Bali (11.6%) than in Java (5.1%; P = 0.015). No significant differences in anti‐HEV prevalence among swine farm workers and local residents in Java were found. The finding of swine HEV genotype 3 in specimens from Yogyakarta and genotype 4 from Tulungagung and Bali is somewhat different from other reports. We suggest other factors in addition to close contact with swine might play an important role in HEV transmission of non‐endemic/related custom groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on swine HEV genotype 3 in Indonesia.     

Occurrence of Hepatitis C Virus infection in type 2 diabetic patients attending Plateau state specialist hospital Jos Nigeria

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is highly endemic in several African countries with high mortality rate among pregnant women. The prevalence of antibodies to HEV in Ghana is not known. Therefore we evaluated the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM among pregnant women seen between the months of January and May, 2008 at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana.

Results

One hundred and fifty-seven women provided blood samples for unlinked anonymous testing for the presence of antibodies to HEV. The median age of participants was 28.89 ± 5.76 years (range 13–42 years). Of the 157 women tested, HEV seroprevelance was 28.66% (45/157). Among the seropositive women, 64.40% (29/45) tested positive for anti-HEV IgM while 35.60% (16/45) tested positive to HEV IgG antibodies. HEV seroprevalence was highest (46.15%) among women 21–25 years of age, followed by 42.82% in = 20 year group, then 36.84% in = 36 year group. Of the 157 women, 75.79% and 22.92% were in their third and second trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Anti-HEV antibodies detected in women in their third trimester of pregnancy (30.25%) was significantly higher, P < 0.05, than in women in their second trimester of pregnancy (25.0%).

Conclusion

Consistent with similar studies worldwide, the results of our studies revealed a high prevalence of HEV infection in pregnant women.     

Prevalence and risk of hepatitis E virus infection in the HIV population of Nepal

Background

Infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause acute hepatitis in endemic areas in immune-competent hosts, as well as chronic infection in immune-compromised subjects in non-endemic areas. Most studies assessing HEV infection in HIV-infected populations have been performed in developed countries that are usually affected by HEV genotype 3. The objective of this study is to measure the prevalence and risk of acquiring HEV among HIV-infected individuals in Nepal.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated 459 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive individuals from Nepal, an endemic country for HEV, for seroprevalence of HEV and assessed risk factors associated with HEV infection. All individuals were on antiretroviral therapy and healthy blood donors were used as controls.

Results

We found a high prevalence of HEV IgG (39.4%) and HEV IgM (15.3%) in HIV-positive subjects when compared to healthy HIV-negative controls: 9.5% and 4.4%, respectively (OR: 6.17, 95% CI 4.42–8.61, p?<?0.001 and OR: 3.7, 95% CI 2.35–5.92, p?<?0.001, respectively). Individuals residing in the Kathmandu area showed a significantly higher HEV IgG seroprevalance compared to individuals residing outside of Kathmandu (76.8% vs 11.1%, OR: 30.33, 95% CI 18.02–51.04, p?=?0.001). Mean CD4 counts, HIV viral load and presence of hepatitis B surface antigen correlated with higher HEV IgM rate, while presence of hepatitis C antibody correlated with higher rate of HEV IgG in serum. Overall, individuals with HEV IgM positivity had higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) than IgM negative subjects, suggesting active acute infection. However, no specific symptoms for hepatitis were identified.

Conclusions

HIV-positive subjects living in Kathmandu are at higher risk of acquiring HEV infection as compared to the general population and to HIV-positive subjects living outside Kathmandu.

     

Hepatitis E virus as a Cause of Acute Hepatitis in The Netherlands

Background

Recent studies indicate that 27% of Dutch blood donors have evidence of past infection with HEV. However, the low number of diagnosed HEV infections indicates either an asymptomatic course or under diagnosis.

Objectives

We investigated whether HEV is a cause of acute hepatitis in Dutch patients and which diagnostic modality (serology or PCR) should be used for optimal detection.

Study design

Serum samples were retrospectively selected from non-severely immuno-compromised patients from a university hospital population, suspected of having an infectious hepatitis. Criteria were: elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT> 34 U/l) and request for antibody testing for CMV, EBV or Hepatitis A (HAV).

Results

All samples were tested for HEV using ELISA and PCR. Ninety patients/sera were tested, of which 22% were HEV IgG positive. Only one serum was IgM positive. HEV PCR was positive in two patients: one patient was both HEV IgM and IgG positive, the other patient was only IgG positive. Both HEV RNA positive samples belonged to genotype 3. Evidence of recent infection with CMV, EBV and HAV was found in 13%, 10% and 3% respectively.

Conclusions

Although our study is limited by small numbers, we conclude that HEV is a cause of acute hepatitis in hospital associated patients in The Netherlands. Moreover, in our study population the prevalence of acute HAV (3%) was almost similar to acute HEV (2%). We propose to incorporate HEV testing in panels for acute infectious hepatitis. Negative results obtained for HEV IgM in a HEV PCR positive patient, indicates that antibody testing alone may not be sufficient and argues for PCR as a primary diagnostic tool in hospital associated patients. The high percentage of HEV IgG seropositivity confirms earlier epidemiological studies.     

中国西藏部分地区猪戊型肝炎病毒流行病学调查

戊型肝炎病毒(Hepatitis E Virus,HEV)感染是一个重要的全球公共卫生问题,而猪被认为是HEV的天然宿主。HEV可以跨种间传播,且已经证实生吃感染的猪肉会导致人感染。在中国西藏许多地区仍然有生吃猪肉、猪肝等的习惯,且不同种家畜混合饲养,极易造成HEV感染和传播。然而中国西藏地区猪HEV流行情况报道甚少。文中对中国西藏5个地区市(拉萨、日喀则、山南、那曲和昌都)猪血清进行HEV Immunoglobulin-M(Ig M)和Ig G抗体检测,并通过逆转录巢氏PCR(RT-n PCR)进行HEV RNA检测和定量RT-PCR(q RT-PCR)进行病毒拷贝计算,首次报道了藏猪血清HEV RNA阳性率。结果显示,在西藏猪中HEV有较高的流行趋势。猪血清HEV Ig M抗体阳性率高达7.6%(26/340),HEV Ig G抗体阳性率为1.8%(6/340),HEV RNA阳性率高达7.6%(26/340),血清中病毒拷贝高达1.7×107 copies/m L,而且5个地区有不同的流行趋势。结果表明西藏猪HEV感染情况严重。有关部门应加强管理,以避免人与动物之间的交叉感染和暴发。