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[Hepatitis E in tourists to India]
Dragan Palmović1, Davorka Lukas, Adriana Vince
1Klinika za infektivne bolesti Dr. Fran Mihaljević, Mirogojska 8, 10 000 Zagreb.
Lijecnicki Vjesnik
|March 7, 2003
Summary
Hepatitis E (HE) is a significant global health issue. This study documents the first imported sporadic cases of HE in Croatia, contracted by travelers from contaminated water in India.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E (HE) poses a substantial global health burden, particularly in developing nations, manifesting as widespread epidemics and sporadic cases.
- The Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is identified as the primary etiological agent responsible for enterically transmitted acute viral hepatitis, predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions.
Observation:
- Two Croatian citizens contracted HE following travel to India.
- Contaminated drinking water was identified as the source of infection for both patients.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was confirmed through serological testing, detecting anti-HEV antibodies (IgG and IgM) via ELISA during the acute phase.
- The disappearance of IgM anti-HEV antibodies during the convalescent period further supported the diagnosis.
Implications:
- These cases represent the first documented instances of imported sporadic Hepatitis E in Croatia.
- Highlights the importance of considering HEV infection in individuals with a travel history to endemic areas, even in non-epidemic settings.
- Underscores the risk of HEV transmission through contaminated water sources during international travel.