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Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection in Ireland
C Hickey1, D Spillane1, J Benson1
1Department of Microbiology, Cork University Hospital, Cork.
This study looked at how common Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is in Ireland by testing blood samples from people who had routine medical tests in 2015. Researchers found that 8% of the people tested had antibodies suggesting past HEV infection, with the highest rate in people aged 40–59. This is much higher than a similar study in 1995, likely due to better testing methods. HEV genotypes 3 and 4, which are linked to pigs and food-borne transmission, are most likely responsible for these infections. Most people with HEV don’t show symptoms, but those with liver disease or weakened immune systems may get sick. The study concludes that HEV is circulating in Ireland and calls for continued monitoring and improved diagnostic tools.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a globally distributed RNA virus. In low-income regions, HEV genotypes 1 and 2 spread through contaminated water. In developed nations, HEV genotypes 3 and 4 have emerged as food-borne infections. These genotypes are linked to pigs and can cause human infections without travel history. Most HEV infections are asymptomatic. However, individuals with liver disease or weakened immune systems may experience chronic illness. Seroprevalence data has grown with better diagnostic tools. Prior studies in Ireland reported low HEV rates. Recent evidence suggests a possible increase in HEV exposure. This gap motivated a reassessment of HEV prevalence in the region.
Purpose Of The Study:
This study aimed to assess current HEV prevalence in Ireland. Researchers used serum samples collected in 2015 for routine testing. The goal was to determine how widespread HEV exposure is in the population. The focus was on anti-HEV IgG antibody detection. The study compared findings to a 1995 survey using older methods. The motivation was to identify any recent changes in HEV circulation. The study also aimed to inform public health strategies. Understanding HEV prevalence helps guide diagnostic and surveillance efforts.
Main Methods:
Researchers analyzed anonymized serum samples from individuals who had routine blood tests in 2015. They used a modern IgG antibody assay to detect HEV exposure. A total of 198 samples were tested. The study focused on HEV genotypes 3 and 4, which are common in non-travel-related cases. Age groups were categorized to assess prevalence trends. The assay was compared to a previous generation method used in 1995. Data collection was limited to one region in Ireland. The study did not include clinical symptoms or travel history.
Main Results:
Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were found in 16 out of 198 samples (8%). The highest prevalence was in individuals aged 40–59 years (43.8%). This rate is significantly higher than the 0.4% reported in 1995 using an older test. The increase suggests a growing HEV presence in the population. No travel history was recorded for these individuals. The findings indicate ongoing HEV transmission in the region. Improved diagnostics likely contributed to higher detection rates. These results highlight the need for updated surveillance strategies.
Conclusions:
The study shows HEV is circulating in Ireland, particularly among middle-aged individuals. The increase in prevalence compared to 1995 is notable. Modern diagnostic methods are more sensitive than older assays. These findings suggest HEV exposure is more common than previously thought. The authors emphasize the importance of continued surveillance. No prior work had resolved the extent of HEV in this population. The study supports the need for improved diagnostic and monitoring systems. These conclusions align with the observed increase in HEV cases in developed countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
The study found 8% of tested individuals had anti-HEV IgG antibodies, with the highest rate in those aged 40–59.
This study used a more sensitive IgG assay and found a 20-fold higher prevalence compared to a 1995 survey using older methods.
The study reported 43.8% HEV exposure in this group, but did not propose a specific reason for this age-related trend.
The study focused on HEV genotypes 3 and 4, which are associated with zoonotic transmission from pigs.
No, the study only tested for anti-HEV IgG antibodies and did not collect clinical or travel data.
The authors suggest the need for ongoing HEV surveillance and improved diagnostic strategies in the region.
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