title: High prevalence of hepatitis E virus antibodies among blood donors in Southern Brazil.
abstract: Brazil has been classified as moderately endemic for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. However, data on the seroprevalence of HEV in this region are limited. This study evaluated the prevalence of past or present HEV infection among blood donors in the metropolitan area of Itajai Valley, Southern Brazil, a region of predominant German heritage, where cultural habits result in a high consumption of pork. Serum samples from 300 blood donors were tested in December 2014 using serological and molecular methods. Anti-HEV IgG antibodies were detected in 30 (10%) subjects, and categorized age groups revealed an age-dependent increase of HEV seroprevalence. Only one subject had anti-HEV IgM, whereas none tested positive for HEV-RNA. The present data demonstrate a higher seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG in blood donors than previously reported in Brazil.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Passos-Castilho
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.|Fleury SA Group, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de Sena
authors.affiliation: HEMOSC Santa Catarina Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, Blumenau, Brazil.|Department of Clinical Analysis, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Geraldo
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Analysis, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
authors.forename: Celso
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Spada
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.|Fleury SA Group, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Celso F H
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Granato
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001782:Blood Donors; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D016751:Hepatitis E / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016752:Hepatitis E virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D012367:RNA, Viral
keywords: Brazil; blood donors; hepatitis E virus; seroprevalence