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Protracted viremia during acute sporadic hepatitis E virus infection
S K Nanda1, I H Ansari, S K Acharya
1Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
Gastroenterology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause prolonged viremia and fecal shedding in some acute sporadic infections. These individuals may act as temporary carriers, contributing to HEV
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes epidemic and sporadic hepatitis, primarily in developing nations.
- While often self-limiting, the source of HEV in endemic areas remains unclear.
- This study focuses on acute sporadic HEV infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence and duration of viremia in patients with acute sporadic HEV infection.
- To understand potential transmission routes in endemic settings.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosed HEV infection in 37 patients with non-A, non-B hepatitis using IgM anti-HEV and/or RT-PCR for viremia.
- Analyzed fecal samples for HEV presence via PCR in 4 patients.
- Monitored viremia and shedding in 20 patients over time.
Main Results:
- Viremia was detected in 19 out of 26 HEV-infected patients.
- Two patients showed viremia without detectable IgM anti-HEV.
- Protracted viremia (45-112 days) and fecal shedding (up to 52 days) were observed in a subset of patients.
Conclusions:
- Protracted viremia and prolonged fecal shedding of HEV were identified in a small patient group.
- These individuals may act as temporary carriers, contributing to continuous environmental contamination.
- Understanding these prolonged shedding patterns is crucial for HEV control.
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