Related Experiment Videos
[Sporadic acute hepatitis E in Germany: an underdiagnosed phenomenon?]
N Teich1, A Tannapfel, A Ammon
1Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universität Leipzig. teichn@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Zeitschrift Fur Gastroenterologie
|May 29, 2003
Summary
Hepatitis E virus infection, a global health concern, is now sporadically occurring in Germany. This study highlights community-acquired Hepatitis E as a potential cause of non-A-non-B-non-C hepatitis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a primary cause of enterically transmitted hepatitis globally.
- Previous HEV cases in Germany were linked to international travel.
- The incidence of HEV in non-travel-associated cases in Germany was previously underestimated.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old man presented with painless jaundice and persistently elevated transaminases.
- Initial serology and liver biopsy did not identify a cause for hepatitis.
- Despite no travel history, subsequent serology confirmed acute Hepatitis E infection.
Findings:
- The patient's transaminases normalized within six months.
- In 2001, 34 cases of acute HEV were reported in Germany, with five acquired domestically.
- This indicates sporadic, community-acquired HEV infections occur in Germany.
Implications:
- Hepatitis E should be considered in the differential diagnosis of seronegative hepatitis in Germany.
- The findings suggest a potential shift in HEV transmission patterns.
- Further surveillance is needed to understand the epidemiology of HEV in non-endemic regions.