Genetic characteristics and pathogenicity of human hepatitis E virus in Nanjing, China.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To investigate the genetic characteristics and pathogenicity of hepatitis E virus (HEV) and assess the potential risk factors for sporadic hepatitis E.

Methods

Sixty-two serum samples from the patients with acute hepatitis E were collected, including 23 cases coinfected with hepatitis B virus. Anti-HEV detection and partial HEV RNA amplification were performed by enzyme immunoassays and reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) method, respectively, and PCR products were sequenced. The isolated human HEV sequences were analyzed phylogenetically.

Results

The positive rate of serum HEV RNA were 21.0% (13/62), including 5 cases of liver failure. All the 13 isolates shared a 82.1%-98.0% nucleotide homology with each other and had identities of 7

SUBMITTER: Geng JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3297057 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature