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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
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Hepatitis E Virus Fluorescence Reduction Neutralization Test for Measuring Neutralizing Antibody Titers
Published on: May 22, 2026
Hepatitis E antibody kinetics in Nepalese patients
Khin Saw Aye Myint1, Timothy P Endy, Mrigendra P Shrestha
1Department of Virology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, 315/6 Rajvithi Road, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. myintk@afrims.org
Summary
Antibodies to hepatitis E virus (HEV) remain detectable for over 14 months in most adults with acute HEV infection. This antibody profile is crucial for developing effective HEV vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the antibody response is critical for diagnosing HEV and developing vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the antibody profile in Nepalese adults with acute hepatitis E.
- To determine the duration of total immunoglobulin (Ig) and IgM antibodies against HEV capsid protein.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 62 Nepalese adults with acute hepatitis E was studied.
- Total Ig and IgM levels were measured using the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) immunoassay.
- Antibody levels were tracked over 14 months post-illness onset.
Main Results:
- Total Ig antibodies showed a rapid decline in the first 3 months, followed by a slow, sustained decrease, remaining above seropositive levels.
- IgM antibody decline was steeper than total Ig in the first 3 months.
- IgM antibodies remained detectable in 25% of cases after 14 months.
Conclusions:
- The study provides insights into the pathophysiology of human hepatitis E.
- A defined antibody response pattern was established, valuable for HEV vaccine development.
- Long-term antibody persistence suggests potential for durable vaccine-induced immunity.
