Time course of hepatitis E-specific antibodies in adults

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is highly endemic in industrialized countries, but there is a lack of knowledge on individual and overall antibody concentration dynamics. The aim of this study was to characterize longitudinal concentration changes of anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (anti-HEV IgG) by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). In total, 199 serum samples collected from 45 subjects over 18 years were analysed. A wide range of anti-HEV IgG levels was found. Overall, anti-HEV IgG significantly decreased after an observation period of at least 5 years. One negative seroconversion was observed. Four individual profiles suggested single and even multiple HEV reinfections despite pre-existing HEV antibodies.