Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E in a 'nonhyperendemic' country

Transfus Med. 2006 Apr;16(2):79-83. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3148.2006.00652.x.

Abstract

Indigenous hepatitis E is increasingly recognized in developed countries, where it may be a zoonosis. We describe the first case of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E in the UK from a blood donor who had no history of recent travel abroad. Follow-up of the donor and recipients of the blood products was carried out using serological and molecular techniques. Acute hepatitis E was transmitted to one of two recipients. The infected patient would have received a larger volume of the donor's plasma. HEV subgenomic sequences carried by the donor and recipient were identical. This is the first case of post-transfusion hepatitis E in the UK. Secondary transmission of hepatitis E indigenous to a nonhyperendemic country may occur by blood transfusion. It is important that blood donors inform the transfusion service of all post-donation illnesses so that appropriate interventions can take place.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Component Transfusion*
  • Blood Donors
  • Endemic Diseases
  • Female
  • Hepatitis E / etiology*
  • Hepatitis E / transmission
  • Hepatitis E / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasma / virology*
  • United Kingdom
  • Zoonoses / etiology
  • Zoonoses / transmission