Hepatitis E - direct diagnosis - PCR
Back to main menuEurofins Biomnis code
HEVBM
Synonyms
- VHE
- HEV
- Hepatite E virus
- Hepatite E
Clinic significance
It is a non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. There are currently 4 main genotypes: genotypes 1 and 2 found in endemic areas, 3 in Europe and the USA and 4 in Asia (genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic, found in pigs and humans).
HEV is a hepatotropic virus, excreted in large quantities in the faeces. Hepatitis E can manifest itself in different clinical forms, ranging from the asymptomatic form, which is the most common, to acute hepatitis, which is generally benign, or fulminant hepatitis. The incubation period varies from 3 to 6 weeks. Severe acute forms almost exclusively affect pregnant women. Vertical transmission has been described in these severe forms.
Transmission is mainly faeco-oral, through contact with contaminated faeces or consumption of contaminated water. Another route of contamination is the consumption of contaminated food (raw or undercooked foods of animal origin, mainly pork).
The virus is present in the blood before the acute phase, and can persist for several weeks. Excretion in the faeces also begins before the acute phase and persists for several weeks (slightly longer than in the blood).
The course is generally benign, with spontaneous recovery (the viremia becomes negative in 2 to 3 weeks). Chronic HEV hepatitis have been described in immunocompromised patients.
IgM antibodies generally appear shortly after the acute phase. IgG antibodies appear shortly afterwards and may persist for several years. Testing for HEV IgM antibodies can be used for serological diagnosis. Detection of the viral genome by RT-PCR from stools and/or serum or plasma enables an earlier, direct diagnosis. In immunocompromised patients, IgM testing must be combined with viral RNA testing, the persistence of which beyond 3 to 6 months defines chronic infection.
Prenalytics
- Serum or EDTA Plasma, Stool
- Refrigerated
Further information
- The use of the S14UK transport bag is Mandatory.
- .
Documents to download
Methodology
PCR
Turnaround time
4 days
Pathologist(s) in charge
Specialty
Contact(s)
Dr Marie HERVO
Dr Thomas BLANCHOT
E-mail(s)
Phone(s)
+334 72 80 73 99
+334 72 80 73 99