Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Oncological Patients

Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Oncological Patients - a Prospective Study in Rural Eastern Germany

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis E infection in oncological patients in a rural region of Germany. Consequently, we conducted prospective testing of blood samples from patients with haematological malignancies for evidence of HEV infection using two distinct anti-HEV IgG and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Serum was taken from each patient before treatment initiation and during treatment follow-up. Primary endpoint was determination of HEV seroprevalence. A healthy cohort was established alongside a cohort of patients who had been hospitalised due to a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, oncological participants completed a questionnaire consisting of eight questions focusing on quantitative aspects, to identify risk factors for HEV infection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• different hemato-oncological entities without age restriction

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients already receiving antineoplastic therapies
• not given written consent