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Systematic serological testing for hepatitis E virus in kidney transplant recipients
Valérie Moal1, Tristan Legris2, Anne Motte3
1Centre de Néphrologie et Transplantation Rénale, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France URMITE, UM63 CNRS 7278 IRD 198, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France vmoal@ap-hm.fr.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|February 20, 2015
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) exposure is common in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) in France, with 39% showing IgG response. Continuous HEV monitoring in KTRs is clinically relevant due to the virus posing a threat.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is endemic in Europe, particularly southern France.
- HEV infection can lead to acute or chronic hepatitis in solid organ transplant recipients.
- Previous studies indicated high HEV RNA prevalence in French blood donations and food products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the seroprevalence and incidence of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) exposure in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).
- To evaluate the clinical relevance of HEV monitoring in KTRs in southeastern France.
Main Methods:
- Systematic HEV serological testing (anti-HEV IgG) was implemented in a cohort of KTRs from March 2012 to May 2014.
- A sensitive microplate enzyme immunoassay was used for serological testing.
- HEV infection cases were identified and categorized as acute or chronic.
Main Results:
- 39% of KTRs exhibited an anti-HEV IgG response, indicating past or current exposure.
- Seroprevalence remained high (approx. 43%) at 1 and 8 years post-transplantation.
- Six HEV infections (1%) were detected among 578 KTRs, including 5 acute and 1 chronic case.
Conclusions:
- Continuous HEV monitoring in KTRs is valuable for understanding HEV epidemiology in France.
- HEV poses a significant clinical threat to KTRs, underscoring the need for monitoring.
- Targeted HEV testing during liver abnormalities may be more effective than systematic screening in KTRs.
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