Hepatitis e virus

Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is a type of virus that causes hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver. It is one of five known human hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. HEV is a positive-sense, single-stranded, nonenveloped, RNA virus. It is the main cause of viral hepatitis transmitted through the oral route due to fecal contamination.

Epidemiology

HEV is found worldwide, but the prevalence is highest in East and South Asia. A number of outbreaks have been associated with contaminated drinking water. The virus is shed in feces and can be spread from person to person via the fecal-oral route.

Clinical Features

The incubation period following exposure to HEV ranges from 2 to 10 weeks, with a mean of 5 to 6 weeks. Symptoms of hepatitis E can include jaundice, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Severe cases can lead to fulminant hepatitis and death.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of HEV infection is usually based on the detection of specific antibodies to the virus in the blood or the detection of the virus's RNA.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for HEV. Management of the infection focuses on maintaining comfort and adequate nutritional balance, including replacement of fluids that are lost from vomiting and diarrhea.

Prevention

Prevention strategies include improving sanitation and promoting hand hygiene. A vaccine to prevent HEV infection has been developed and is licensed in China, but is not yet available elsewhere.

See Also

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