Wild Boar as a Sylvatic Reservoir of Hepatitis E Virus in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Population Study
VIRUSES-BASEL
Authors: Kozyra, Iwona; Jablonski, Artur; Bigoraj, Ewelina; Rzezutka, Artur
Abstract
The most important wildlife species in the epidemiology of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are wild boars, which are also the main reservoir of the virus in a sylvatic environment. The aim of the study was a serological and molecular assessment of the prevalence of HEV infections in wild boars in Poland. In total, 470 pairs of samples (wild boar blood and livers) and 433 samples of faeces were tested. An ELISA (ID.vet, France) was used for serological analysis. For the detection of HEV RNA, real-time (RT)-qPCR was employed. The presence of specific anti-HEV IgG antibodies was found in 232 (49.4%; 95%CI: 44.7-54%) sera, with regional differences observed in the seroprevalence of infections. HEV RNA was detected in 57 (12.1%, 95%CI: 9.3-15.4%) livers and in 27 (6.2%, 95%CI: 4.1-8.9%) faecal samples, with the viral load ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 x 10(11) G.C./g and 38 to 9.3 x 10(7) G.C./mL, respectively. A correlation between serological and molecular results of testing of wild boars infected with HEV was shown. HEV infections in wild boars appeared to be common in Poland.
Seroprevalence of IgG Antibodies for Dengue among Blood Donors
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTION OF MEDICAL AND DENTAL SCIENCES-JEMDS
Authors: Bandi, Kavyasree; Thokala, Ravindra Prasad; Anandan, Ashwin; Radhakrishnan, Krishnamoorthy; Panicker, Vinod Kumar
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dengue fever is endemic India and the prevalence of dengue is on the rise owing to various social and economic factors. Prevalence of asymptomatic dengue infection varies widely from less than 1 % to 80 % in India. Transfusion transmissible dengue has been reported in different parts of the word. Prevalence of subclinical dengue among blood donor poses a threat to the blood supply leading to transfusion transmissible dengue. We wanted to estimate the prevalence of IgG antibodies for Dengue in the blood donor population. METHODS Six hundred and eight whole blood donors were included in the study during the period January 2017 to October 2018. Donor registration and education was done as per the national guidelines. Donors who gave a history of previous dengue or symptoms consistent with dengue were excluded from the study. Serum samples from whole blood donors were tested for IgG antibodies using ELISA technology. RESULTS Of the total of 608 donors, 602 were male donors and 55 % of the donors were in the age group 21 - 30 years. Majority (69 %) of the donors were from urban locations. Anti IgG antibodies for dengue were present in 4.14 % of donors of which 38 % of donors were in the age group 31 - 40 years. Three hundred and eighty-four donors revealed history of fever, myalgia and headache in the past one year. No statistical significance was found between fever, myalgia and the presence of IgG anti-dengue antibodies. CONCLUSIONS The subclinical or asymptomatic prevalence of dengue infection is low when compared to other studies in other parts of the country. Enquiring into donor history for history of dengue or symptoms of dengue and deferring such donors for a recommended period will prevent transfusion transmissible dengue.