Should we set up systematic screening for hepatitis E virus (HEV) when donating blood in Europe and in particular in France? The debate is launched the day after World Hepatitis Day.
The crux of the matter: a British study published in the famous scientific journal The Lancet reveals that the cases of transmission of HEV by blood transfusions are more frequent than one thinks. Out of 225,000 blood donations collected over a year (2012-2013) in the south-east of England, we learn that one in 3,000 donors is a carrier of HEV genotype 3 (ie 79 donors). The transmission rate of the virus is 42%, that is, 18 of the 43 recipients were transfused with blood products positive for the virus.
There are “between 80,000 and 100,000” hepatitis virus E infections per year in England according to Dr Richard Tedder (Bloodborne Viruses Unit of the Public Health Service, London) author of this not very reassuring study . This prevalence would be similar in Sweden and Germany. In other words, Europe would no longer be safe from large-scale contamination of the hepatitis E virus.
Low risk
Should we be worried? HEV usually causes an infection that resolves spontaneously in 4 to 6 weeks, recalls the WHO. So we can cure without treatment. But some populations are more at risk than others: pregnant women and immunocompromised (cancer patients on corticosteroids and chemotherapy, transplant recipients, etc.) can develop serious liver disease.
However, we must keep in mind, believes the study, the risk remains low. There is “no urgent need at present for screening for donated blood.”
Do you think that screening for HEV should be mandatory before any blood donation? Have your say on the forum.
