Hepatitis E: the West of Scotland experience. Issue 3 (August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deshpande, A; Gunson, R; Bradley, A; Cameron, S
• Is Part Of: Scottish medical journal. Volume 58:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 178
• Page End: 181
• Publication Date: 2013-08
• Subjects: Hepatitis E -- autochthonous -- virus; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0036933013496966
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-9330

Abstract

Background and aims: Hepatitis E virus is traditionally regarded as a virus of the developing world and is emerging as a leading cause of non-A/B/C hepatitis. We wished to investigate locally acquired transmission of hepatitis E in the West of Scotland and compare our use of traditional serology versus polymerase chain reaction since the introduction of polymerase chain reaction in 2007. Methods: Clinical details provided on specimens of blood positive for hepatitis E virus by serology or polymerase chain reaction were collated and analysed. Results: Since 2007, 30 samples were hepatitis E virus-positive by serology or polymerase chain reaction. Polymerase chain reaction positivity was generally associated with positive serology although four samples were polymerase chain reaction-negative and strongly positive by serology. Interestingly, one-quarter of cases were likely to represent endogenous transmission of the infection. Conclusions: Polymerase chain reaction is valuable in reliably diagnosing hepatitis E virus. However, serology is valuable for diagnosing resolved infection. There may be a high level of undiagnosed locally acquired hepatitis E virus in Scotland.