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A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
First documented outbreak of hepatitis E virus transmission in Java, Indonesia.
E R Sedyaningsih-Mamahit1, R P Larasati, K Laras
1National Institute of Health Research and Development, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|December 25, 2002
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) caused a 1998 outbreak in Bondowoso, Indonesia. River water use for bathing and drinking was linked to transmission, highlighting the need for safe water practices.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- A suspected hepatitis outbreak occurred in Bondowoso District, East Java, Indonesia, from March to May 1998.
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of epidemic hepatitis, particularly in developing countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aetiology and transmission dynamics of the suspected hepatitis outbreak in Bondowoso.
- To determine the role of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the observed outbreak.
- To identify risk factors associated with HEV transmission in the affected communities.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a multi-faceted investigation including retrospective hospital record review, community-based cross-sectional study, and health service-based case detection.
- Collected sera and epidemiological data from 962 individuals across outbreak-affected communities, community controls, cases, and their families.
- Utilized serological tests (anti-HEV IgM, total antibody to HEV, anti-HAV IgM) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HEV detection.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher prevalence of acute HEV (52.4%) and background HEV (47%) in outbreak communities compared to controls (3% for both, P < 0.00001).
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was not implicated (0% positive for anti-HAV IgM).
- The overall attack rate for acute jaundice illness was 19%. River water usage for bathing, waste disposal, and drinking showed a significant association with outbreak areas (P < 0.00001).
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was confirmed as the aetiological agent responsible for the 1998 Bondowoso hepatitis outbreak.
- River water contamination is a primary driver for epidemic HEV transmission in this region.
- This study provides the first documented evidence of epidemic HEV transmission in Java, Indonesia, emphasizing the need for improved water sanitation.
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