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Overview of Hepatitis E Virus.
1Public Health Laboratory Service, Princess Royal Hospital, Telford TF6 6TF, United Kingdom. E-mail sskidmore @mids.phls.nhs.uk
Current Infectious Disease Reports
|April 3, 2002
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes self-limiting illness but poses a severe risk to pregnant women, with mortality rising to 20%. This zoonotic virus causes large outbreaks and sporadic cases globally, necessitating improved prevention and vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an enterically transmitted pathogen.
- HEV typically causes acute, self-limiting hepatitis.
- A critical concern is the significantly increased mortality rate (up to 20%) in pregnant women infected with HEV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology and clinical significance of Hepatitis E virus.
- To highlight the zoonotic potential of HEV.
- To discuss current and developing preventative strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HEV epidemiology, clinical presentation, and transmission.
- Analysis of HEV outbreaks and sporadic cases.
- Review of current preventative measures and vaccine development status.
Main Results:
- HEV causes large-scale outbreaks in developing nations and sporadic cases worldwide.
- HEV infection presents a severe risk, particularly to pregnant women.
- Evidence suggests HEV is a zoonotic infection with HEV-like viruses found in animals.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis E virus is a significant global health concern, especially due to its high mortality in pregnant women.
- The zoonotic nature of HEV necessitates a One Health approach to prevention.
- While clean water is crucial, vaccine development offers future hope for control.