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Hepatitis E infection in the UK
1Public Health Laboratory, Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Journal of Viral Hepatitis
|March 1, 1996
Summary
A modified assay can detect specific IgM antibodies for Hepatitis E virus (HEV). This study confirmed that acute Hepatitis E virus infections are occurring in the UK, primarily in travelers returning from endemic regions.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Diagnostic challenges exist for identifying acute HEV infections, particularly IgM responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a modified commercial assay for detecting anti-HEV IgM antibodies.
- To investigate the occurrence of acute HEV infections in the United Kingdom.
Main Methods:
- Modification of a commercial anti-HEV assay to specifically detect IgM antibodies.
- Application of the validated assay to clinical samples.
Main Results:
- The modified assay demonstrated successful validation for anti-HEV IgM detection.
- The study identified acute HEV cases within the UK population.
- All identified cases were associated with recent travel to HEV-endemic areas.
Conclusions:
- The validated assay is effective for diagnosing acute HEV infections.
- HEV infections represent a detectable, albeit travel-associated, cause of acute hepatitis in the UK.
- Surveillance and diagnostic capabilities for HEV in non-endemic regions are crucial.