Hepatitis E virus

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a type of virus that causes hepatitis. It is one of five known human hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. Infection with this virus was first documented in the mid-1980s, but it has been known to exist for much longer.

Overview

HEV is a non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Although it was initially classified in the Caliciviridae family, it has since been reclassified to the family Hepeviridae. The virus is one of the most common causes of acute hepatitis infections worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

Transmission

HEV is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, due to fecal contamination of drinking water. Other transmission routes have been identified, which include ingestion of undercooked meat or shellfish, transfusion of infected blood products, and vertical transmission from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

Symptoms and Treatment

Most people with HEV show no symptoms, while others develop symptoms of hepatitis, such as jaundice, dark urine, an enlarged liver, abdominal pain, and nausea. In rare cases, it can cause severe (fulminant) hepatitis, leading to liver failure.

There is no specific treatment for HEV. Most infections are self-limiting, and people with healthy immune systems will usually recover within 4-6 weeks without treatment. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of HEV infection can be achieved through maintaining quality standards for public water supplies, avoiding consumption of undercooked meat or shellfish, and practicing good personal hygiene. A vaccine for HEV has been developed and is available in China, but it is not yet widely available elsewhere.

See Also

• Hepatitis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Hepatitis D

Hepatitis E virus Resources
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