Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025
10:28
A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
9.8K
Risk Factors for Hepatitis E Virus Infection and Eating Habits in Kidney Transplant Recipients.
Eva Wu1, Nadine Koch1, Friederike Bachmann1
1Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a risk for transplant patients. Intense immunosuppression, older age, low BMI, and eating undercooked pork increase HEV risk and treatment failure.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Solid organ transplant recipients face a significant risk of persistent and treatment-resistant hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for managing HEV in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for developing HEV infection post-transplantation, including dietary habits.
- To analyze outcomes of HEV infection and treatment responses in kidney transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 59 adult kidney transplant recipients with HEV infection (2013-2020).
- Comparison with 251 transplant patients without HEV infection.
- Assessment of dietary exposures and patient characteristics, including immunosuppression intensity.
Main Results:
- Intense immunosuppression (high-dose steroids, rituximab) was a significant risk factor for acquiring HEV.
- Ribavirin (RBV) treatment failure occurred in 39.6% of patients; higher age (>60) and low BMI (≤20 kg/m²) predicted RBV failure.
- Persistent HEV viremia correlated with kidney function decline (eGFR drop, proteinuria rise).
- HEV infection linked to consuming undercooked pork and handling raw meat with bare hands.
Conclusions:
- Immunosuppression intensity, older age, low BMI, and undercooked pork consumption are key factors for HEV development in transplant patients.
- HEV infection can negatively impact kidney function post-transplantation.
- Effective management strategies are needed to address treatment resistance and risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
29
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
29
01:16Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
41
Postoperative Nursing Management for Kidney Transplant PatientsPostoperative nursing management care includes monitoring the surgical site, encouraging early movement, and promoting lung health through breathing exercises. Nurses also administer prescribed medications like H2-blockers, such as famotidine, or proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole, to help prevent gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding. Fungal infections in the mouth and bladder can result from immunosuppressive and antibiotic...
41
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
36
Preoperative ManagementThe primary goals of preoperative management in kidney transplantation are to optimize the patient’s metabolic state and prepare them for surgery through diet adjustments, necessary dialysis, and tailored medical treatment. This phase also involves comprehensive infection screening and patient education about the surgical procedure and postoperative care to improve outcomes and adherence.Medical ManagementA comprehensive evaluation is required for both the living...
36
01:30Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
40
Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
40
01:16Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors
164
The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
164
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
40
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
40