Detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against hepatitis E virus in donated blood bags from a national voluntary blood bank in Metro Manila, Philippines

Abstract Objective To assess the blood bags obtained from a national voluntary blood bank for the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against hepatitis E virus (HEV). Methods Plasma from the blood bags provided by a voluntary blood bank was examined for the IgM and IgG antibodies against HEV through the ELISA technique. Results Results showed HEV IgG and IgM antibodies with prevalence of 11.8% and 2.4% positives, respectively. Conclusions Screening of HEV antibodies of donors is a must to safeguard blood products and reduce the possible transmission of HEV infections.