Prevalence of Acute Hepatitis E Virus Infections in Swiss Blood Donors 2018-2020.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is the major cause of acute viral hepatitis in several European countries. It is acquired mainly by ingesting contaminated pork, but has also been reported to be transmitted through blood transfusion. Although most HEV infections, including those via blood products, are usually self-limiting, they may become chronic in immunocompromised persons. It is thus essential to identify HEV-infected blood donations to prevent transmission to vulnerable recipients.

Aims

Prior to the decision whether to introduce HEV RNA screening for all Swiss blood donations, a 2-year nationwide prevalence study was conducted.

Methods

All blood donations were screened in pools of 12-24 samples at five regional blood donation services, and HEV RNA

SUBMITTER: Niederhauser C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11125967 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature