Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus in Argentinean blood donors

Abstract

Background Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main cause of enteric acute viral hepatitis worldwide. In this epidemiological framework, it has become a threat to blood safety and a relevant issue for blood transfusions. However, there is a paucity of data regarding prevalence of HEV infection. The aim of this study was to determine HEV seroprevalence in blood donors from different regions from Argentina. Material and methods Serum samples from 391 individuals attending five blood donor centers located in different regions from Argentina were analyzed for anti-HEV IgG and anti-HEV IgM. Results Overall, anti-HEV IgG was detected in 44 out of 391 (11.3%) samples. HEV prevalence ranged from 5.1 to 20.0% among different country regions. A significant difference in blood donors’ age was observed between anti-HEV IgG positive and negative individuals [44 (37–51) vs. 35 (27–43), P < 0.001, respectively]. Anti-HEV IgM was detected in 8 out of 44 (18.2%) anti-HEV IgG positive cases. Conclusion Anti-HEV IgG was detected in blood donor samples from five analyzed Argentinean regions, highlighting the wide distribution of the virus in the country. HEV prevalence was variable among different regions and significantly higher in older donors. Given the evidence of anti-HEV IgM presence in blood donors, suggesting a potential risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV, screening for HEV in blood units to be used in vulnerable population would be desirable. Molecular studies for detection of viremic donors and donor–recipients follow-up are necessary to certainly determine the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV in Argentina.

Higher Risk of HEV Transmission and Exposure among Blood Donors in Europe and Asia in Comparison to North America: A Meta-Analysis

“…Studies of HEV PCR positivity rates of blood donors worldwide [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 ]; Table S2. Studies of HEV seroprevalence of blood donors worldwide [ 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70...…”

High prevalence of hepatitis A and E viruses in environmental and clinical samples from West Argentina

“…This genotype was previously found in environmental, swine, and human samples from Argentina. 7 , 13 , 14 , 29 In this study, HEV RNA was detected in 11 clinical cases, including four pregnant women and one immunosuppressed man. Despite none of these patients developed severe liver disease, the immunosuppressed patient presented HEV RNA positivity for a longer period, perhaps acting as a viral reservoir and a possible source of transmission.…”

“…Studies have demonstrated HEV antibody prevalence from 5.1 to 20.0% in different regions of Argentina. 7 , 8 , 9 Regarding hepatitis A, prevalence rates ranged from 29.7% in Buenos Aires 2 to 81.9% in low-income indigenous populations. 9 …”

Exploring hepatitis E virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among the human population in Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina

“…It is noteworthy that the operation of the plant is altered by clandestine connections of home storm drains to the sewerage network. Furthermore, the stormwater drainage network, which includes piped streams, is affected by clandestine connections of industrial and sewage effluents ( 18 ). On the opposite, in the low-risk spatial cluster flooding events are unusual and people live more distant to water courses.…”

“…In the central region, Córdoba city (Argentina), the overall IgG anti-HEV prevalence obtained in blood donors ( n = 547) was 3.47% ( 17 ). Di Lello et al ( 18 ) conducted a study in blood donors ( n = 391) of five Argentinian regions and found that HEV seropositivity varied from 5.1 to 20.0%.…”