A nationwide retrospective study on prevalence of hepatitis E virus infection in Italian blood donors.

DISCUSSION: The detected IgG rate of 8.7% in this study represents one of the lowest seroprevalence rates reported among blood donors in Europe. Particularly high prevalence rates in some regions and provinces may be explained by local eating habits and/or intensive environmental HEV contamination. Before considering the introduction of HEV RNA screening for blood donations in Italy, further important issues should be addressed and prospective incidence and reliable cost-benefit studies are needed.
PMID: 29757135 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Blood Transfusion - May 4, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Spada E, Pupella S, Pisani G, Bruni R, Chionne P, Madonna E, Villano U, Simeoni M, Fabi S, Marano G, Marcantonio C, Pezzotti P, Ciccaglione AR, Liumbruno GM Tags: Blood Transfus Source Type: research