| [ Summary ] |
In response to the first confirmed case of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E (TTHE), we conducted a nationwide survey of HEV infection in Japanese blood donors. The prevalence of HEV in blood donors with an elevated ALT (> / = 200 IU / l) was 1.1 % for those with HEV RNA, 1.0 % for anti-HEV IgM and 3.2 % for anti-HEV IgG. Phylogenetic analysis of isolated HEV RNA from the HEV RNA-positive donors showed that these cases were apparently domestic infection. Most of the HEV positive-donors were middle-aged men and more positive donors distributed across eastern Japan ; Hokkaido showed the highest prevalence. So far, 5 cases of TTHE have been confirmed in Japan and the causative blood was donated during the early infectious period of HEV infection. The potential risk of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E should be taken into consideration. |