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[Hepatitis E after travel to India--2 case reports].
Zeitschrift Fur Gastroenterologie
|April 18, 2000
Summary
Hepatitis E infection is reported in two travelers returning from India. Diagnosis was confirmed via antibody testing, with both patients experiencing a benign, self-limiting illness requiring only symptomatic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Hepatitis E is a significant cause of acute liver inflammation globally.
- Travel to endemic regions like India poses a risk for acquiring Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection.
- Differential diagnosis of acute liver disease can be challenging, especially in returning travelers.
Observation:
- Two cases of acute hepatitis E are presented in individuals with recent travel history to India.
- Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice, and malaise.
- Laboratory findings included positive anti-HEV antibodies and temporary thrombocytopenia in one case.
Findings:
- Both patients recovered fully with symptomatic treatment, indicating a generally benign clinical course.
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used for antibody detection and diagnosis.
- Hepatitis E should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with acute hepatitis after travel to endemic areas.
Implications:
- Early consideration of Hepatitis E in travelers returning from endemic areas can aid in timely diagnosis.
- The typically benign course of Hepatitis E often precludes the need for extensive diagnostic workups or specific antiviral therapies.
- Symptomatic management is usually sufficient for recovery, highlighting the self-limiting nature of the infection in immunocompetent individuals.