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Hepatitis E: an overview
Harald C Worm1, Wim H M van der Poel, Gerald Brandstätter
1Second Department of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, LKH-Universitätsklinikum Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, Austria. harald.worm@klinikum-graz.at
Microbes and Infection
|June 6, 2002
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute hepatitis in humans through sporadic and epidemic outbreaks. Animal studies suggest a potential reservoir for this non-enveloped RNA virus, impacting public health.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of viral hepatitis globally.
- HEV is a non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus.
- It is classified within the Hepeviridae family, distinct from other hepatitis viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the HEV, including its structure and classification.
- To understand the clinical presentation of HEV infection in humans.
- To explore the potential for animal reservoirs of HEV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HEV classification and virology.
- Analysis of clinical data on human HEV infections.
- Review of recent studies investigating animal HEV reservoirs.
Main Results:
- HEV possesses icosahedral symmetry and is related to the alpha-virus superfamily.
- Human infections manifest as acute, self-limited, icteric hepatitis.
- Evidence suggests a significant animal reservoir for HEV exists.
Conclusions:
- HEV represents a distinct viral genus with implications for hepatitis E.
- Human HEV infection presents clinically as acute hepatitis.
- The identification of animal reservoirs is crucial for controlling HEV transmission.