Letter
Immunology
Sumathi Ramachandran, Guo-Liang Xia, Zoya Dimitrova, Yulin Lin, Martha Montgomery, Ryan Augustine, Saleem Kamili, Yury Khudyakov
Summary: HAV genotype IA was most common in US outbreak investigations and surveillance from 1996 to 2015, but genotype B gained prominence during person-to-person multistate outbreaks from 2016 to 2019. Detection of previously uncommon strains highlights the changing molecular epidemiology of HAV infection in the United States.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Aron Balazs Ulbert, Matyas Bhurka, Anett Magyari, Zita Turi, Edit Hajdu, Katalin Burian, Gabriella Terhes
Summary: In this study, the epidemiological features of HEV infections among patients in various departments of a university hospital in Hungary were determined. The study found a high seroprevalence of HEV IgG antibodies in adult and elderly patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Virology
Busara Songtanin, Adebayo J. Molehin, Kevin Brittan, Wuttiporn Manatsathit, Kenneth Nugent
Summary: According to the World Health Organization, approximately 20 million people worldwide are infected annually with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). There are four main genotypes of HEV, with genotypes 1 and 2 common in developing countries and transmitted through contaminated water, and genotypes 3 and 4 common in developed countries and occasionally transmitted through undercooked meat. This review focuses on the molecular virology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and treatment of chronic HEV infection, especially in immunocompromised patients, to provide a better understanding of their global distribution and impact on immunocompromised individuals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ainur Mukhatayeva, Aidana Mustafa, Natalya Dzissyuk, Alpamys Issanov, Bauyrzhan Bayserkin, Sten H. Vermund, Syed Ali
Summary: Contrary to global trends, HIV prevalence in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries is increasing, with a significant proportion of HIV positive individuals co-infected with HCV, TB, HBV, and STI. The study emphasizes the need for regular screening for HCV infection among HIV patients and the implementation of vaccination protocols against HBV and TB. Additionally, harm reduction efforts targeting persons who inject drugs are crucial, including opiate substitution therapy, needle exchange programs, regular screening, and improved access to ART and direct acting antivirals.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Altar M. Munis, Monique Andersson, Alexander Mobbs, Stephen C. Hyde, Deborah R. Gill
Summary: Modeling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for understanding and containing outbreaks, with mutations in viral genomes impacting virulence. Analyzing 563 clinical samples in Oxford during the first wave of infections in the UK allowed researchers to track short-term viral evolution, detect mutations of concern, and capture viral diversity, demonstrating the utility of genomic pathogen surveillance in controlling local virus spread.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Mathias Schemmerer, Juergen J. Wenzel, Klaus Stark, Mirko Faber
Summary: Zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in Europe, with genotype 3 (HEV-3) being the predominant strain. In Germany, HEV-3c is the most common subtype, followed by HEV-3f, HEV-3e, and HEV-3i-like strains. The proportion of HEV-3 group 2 strains has increased over time. Patients infected with HEV-3 group 1 tend to have more severe symptoms compared to those infected with group 2 strains.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adedotun Ogunbajo, Mitchell Brooks, Temitope A. Oke, Omar Martinez, Carl Latkin, Kirk Myers, DeMarc Hickson
Summary: This study describes a prospective epidemiological research on HIV-negative Black and Latino SMM to quantify the prevalence and incidence of HCV infection and investigate the predictors of HCV infection. The results will have important implications for HCV screening, intervention development, and patient assistance programs for uninsured individuals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bacary Djilocalisse Sadio, Martin Faye, Marco Kaiser, Maryam Diarra, Fanny Balique, Cheikh Tidiane Diagne, Oumar Faye, Moussa Moise Diagne, Gamou Fall, Oumar Ndiaye, Cheikh Loucoubar, Abdourahmane Sow, Ousmane Faye, Adama Faye, Cheikh Saad Bouh Boye, Amadou Alpha Sall
Summary: The rapid proliferation of traditional gold mining sites in the Kedougou region has led to a Hepatitis E virus outbreak. The study found a high rate of HEV infection among suspected cases, with a case fatality rate in pregnant women. Further research is needed to identify the virus reservoir and environmental risk factors.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrey Egorov, Reagan Converse, Shannon M. Griffin, Russell Bonasso, Lindsay Wickersham, Elizabeth Klein, Jason Kobylanski, Rebecca Ritter, Jennifer N. Styles, Honorine Ward, Elizabeth Sams, Edward Hudgens, Alfred Dufour, Timothy J. Wade
Summary: In a prospective observational study, seroconversion to a specific pathogen can serve as a marker of incident infection, and non-invasive salivary antibody tests can be used to detect seroconversions. The study found that monitoring seroconversions can be useful in identifying infections, and using salivary antibody assays can be effective in epidemiological surveys of infections.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel, Veronica Dayali Gutierrez-Martinez, Eda Guadalupe Ramirez-Valles, Antonio Sifuentes-Alvarez
Summary: This study revealed waste pickers as a high-risk group for HEV infection, with factors associated with HEV exposure including illness status and reflex impairment.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bing Xu, Jinfeng Wang, Zhongjie Li, Chengdong Xu, Yilan Liao, Maogui Hu, Jing Yang, Shengjie Lai, Liping Wang, Weizhong Yang
Summary: This study analyzed respiratory virus data from 81 hospitals in 22 provinces in China from 2009 to 2013 and found that different meteorological factors have varying impacts on the seasonality of respiratory viruses. Temperature, atmospheric pressure, vapour pressure, and rainfall were identified as the main factors affecting respiratory viruses, while relative humidity and wind speed showed different explanatory power for different regions and viruses.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Javier Caballero-Gomez, Antonio Rivero-Juarez, Adrian Beato-Benitez, Carolina Fernandez-Maldonado, Mariano Domingo, Daniel Garcia-Parraga, Antonio Fernandez, Eva Sierra, Rainer G. Ulrich, Eva Martinez-Nevado, Cecilia Sierra-Arqueros, Rocio Canales-Merino, Antonio Rivero, Ignacio Garcia-Bocanegra
Summary: Epidemiological surveillance in cetaceans in waters off Spain showed widespread exposure to hepatitis E virus, suggesting a persistent and extensive presence driven by terrestrial contamination.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Heli Harvala, Claire Reynolds, Su Brailsford, Katy Davison
Summary: In England, screening blood donations with nucleic acid test (NAT) has largely eliminated infectious HEV, but missed detection of low levels of HEV RNA can lead to severe infections. More sensitive screening methods are needed to prevent transmission risks.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Maisuri T. Chalid, Turyadi, Susan I. Ie, Rizalinda Sjahril, Ridha Wahyuni, M. Nasrum Massi, David H. Muljono
Summary: This study examines the HBV characteristics and potential risk of mother-to-child transmission among HBeAg-negative/HBsAg-positive expectant mothers in an area with a high prevalence of e-CHB. It highlights the importance of considering antiviral prophylaxis eligibility in situations with limited resources and in regions where e-CHB is prevalent, as some HBeAg-negative mothers may still pose a high transmission risk.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexander Nersesov, Arnur Gusmanov, Byron Crape, Gulnara Junusbekova, Salim Berkinbayev, Almagul Jumabayeva, Jamilya Kaibullayeva, Saltanat Madenova, Mariya Novitskaya, Margarita Nazarova, Abduzhappar Gaipov, Aiymkul Ashimkhanova, Kainar Kadyrzhanuly, Kuralay Atageldiyeva, Sandro Vento, Alpamys Issanov
Summary: High-intermediate endemicity for HBsAg and high endemicity for anti-HCV antibodies were found in three large regions of Kazakhstan. Blood transfusion was associated with anti-HCV seropositivity, but further epidemiological studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of preventive measures in healthcare settings.
