Transfusion transmitted hepatitis E in a 'non-endemic' country

EH Boxall, A Herborn, G Kochetu, Guy Pratt, David Adams, S Ijaz, G-C Tao

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234 Citations (Scopus)

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.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-83
Number of pages5
JournalTransfusion Medicine
Volume16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2006

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