Transfusion of plasma from a blood donor induced hepatitis E in Rhesus monkey

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is normally transmitted via the faeco-oral route. The possibility that the infection might be transmissible by blood has been suggested. Direct evidence of blood-borne transmission of hepatitis E infection is, however, absent.

In this report, 10 ml of plasma obtained from a healthy, but hepatitis E viraemic, blood donor was transfused to a Rhesus monkey.

Acute hepatitis E developed following transfusion of blood from the hepatitis E viraemic donor. This was confirmed by virological, immunological, biochemical and histopathological data.

These results, combined with other epidemiological findings previously reported, indicate that transfusion-associated hepatitis E can occur. The risk of transfusion-associated HEV infection in endemic areas should be assessed and strategies developed to reduce it.