Giuseppe Tarantino1, Patrizia Bagnarelli2, Marco Marzioni3, Katia Marinelli2, Giulia Surace3, Sara Traini3, Gianluca Svegliati Baroni3, Stefano Menzo2, Antonio Benedetti3. 1. Department of Gastroenterology and Transplants, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Ancona, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy. Electronic address: giutar77@gmail.com. 2. Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Virology, Hospital of Ancona, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy. 3. Department of Gastroenterology and Transplants, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hospital of Ancona, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent data showed an increasing number of "autochthonous" cases of hepatitis E in Italy. AIMS: Analysing cases of acute hepatitis E to define frequency, clinical features, prognosis and risk factors. METHODS: We considered all the patients admitted to our Regional Hospital between August 2011 and September 2014, with a diagnosis of acute hepatitis; serological screening for hepatitis B, C and A viruses was performed; in the event of negative results, sera were tested for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr and hepatitis E viruses. RESULTS: Among 200 patients, 66 were affected by viral infection. IgM anti-HEV was detected in 14 patients with a predominance of males (79%) with a mean age of 55. Genotype 3 of HEV was found in 8 patients. Only one patient died of acute on chronic liver failure; all others evolved favourably towards clinical remission within two months from clinical onset. Thirteen patients had had local exposure to infection and 9 reported the consumption of raw or undercooked locally produced pork. CONCLUSION: The incidence of HEV in our cohort of patients with acute viral hepatitis is high (about 20% per year). In over 85% an autochthonous exposure to infection could be recognised, with a clear link with food habits.
BACKGROUND: Recent data showed an increasing number of "autochthonous" cases of hepatitis E in Italy. AIMS: Analysing cases of acute hepatitis E to define frequency, clinical features, prognosis and risk factors. METHODS: We considered all the patients admitted to our Regional Hospital between August 2011 and September 2014, with a diagnosis of acute hepatitis; serological screening for hepatitis B, C and A viruses was performed; in the event of negative results, sera were tested for cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr and hepatitis E viruses. RESULTS: Among 200 patients, 66 were affected by viral infection. IgM anti-HEV was detected in 14 patients with a predominance of males (79%) with a mean age of 55. Genotype 3 of HEV was found in 8 patients. Only one patient died of acute on chronic liver failure; all others evolved favourably towards clinical remission within two months from clinical onset. Thirteen patients had had local exposure to infection and 9 reported the consumption of raw or undercooked locally produced pork. CONCLUSION: The incidence of HEV in our cohort of patients with acute viral hepatitis is high (about 20% per year). In over 85% an autochthonous exposure to infection could be recognised, with a clear link with food habits.