Hepatitis E Virus Strain Found in Infant in China
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Wen, Yang Shixing, Shen Quan, Liu Junfeng, Shan Tongling, Huang Fen, Ning Huibo, Kang Yanjun, Yang Zhibiao, Cui Li, Zhu Jianguo, Hua Xiuguo
Primary Institution: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Hypothesis
Can infants be infected with Hepatitis E virus without showing symptoms?
Conclusion
A genotype 4 Hepatitis E virus strain was found in a seven-month-old infant in Shanghai who showed no symptoms of hepatitis.
Supporting Evidence
- This is the first report of HEV infection in an infant under one year old in China.
- The HEV strain shared 97.6% sequence identity with a strain from a Japanese patient.
- The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the strain is not related to swine HEV strains prevalent in Shanghai.
Takeaway
Researchers found a virus in a baby that usually makes people sick, but this baby didn't feel bad at all.
Methodology
Fecal samples were collected from infants, and the viral RNA was extracted and analyzed using RT-PCR and sequence analysis.
Limitations
The study only reports one case of HEV in an infant, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Infants younger than 2 years old with abnormal feces appearance.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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