[Detection of hepatitis E virus on a blood donor and its infectivity to rhesus monkey].

OBJECTIVE

To understand the infectivity and pathogenicity of the plasma of hepatitis E virus (HEV) viremia to primate animals.

METHODS

RNA fragment of HEV genotype IV was detected on one healthy donor who was positive for anti-HEV IgM and negative for anti-HEV IgG. Then 10 ml plasma from above donor was transfused to rhesus monkey to observe its infectivity and pathogenicity.

RESULTS

Acute hepatitis E was developed in rhesus monkey who accept HEV RNA positive plasma. It was confirmed by virological, immunological, biochemical and histopathological data.

CONCLUSION

Acute hepatitis E can be induced by plasma transfusion of HEV viremia, which indicate the possibility of transfusion transmitted hepatitis E