Evidence of hepatitis E virus transmission by renal graft

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause chronic infection among immunocompromised patients, especially solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, and can evolve to cirrhosis. Several modes of transmission are known. Here we describe the first 2 cases, to our knowledge, of HEV infection transmitted by a kidney graft from the same infected donor that led to chronic hepatitis. Consequently, systematic screening of donors by HEV serology and HEV RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction, particularly in endemic regions, should be considered. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.