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A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
Hepatitis E virus.
Mohammad S Khuroo1, Mehnaaz S Khuroo
1Digestive Disease Centre, Dr Khuroo's Medical Clinic, Srinagar, India. khuroo@drkhuroo.org
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Recent advances in hepatitis E (HEV) research highlight its zoonotic transmission and global spread. An effective recombinant HEV vaccine offers hope for disease control, particularly in light of chronic infections in transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes waterborne epidemics and sporadic infections globally.
- HEV is an emerging infectious disease with increasing recognition in developed countries.
- Zoonotic transmission through foodborne routes is a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in the zoonotic transmission of HEV.
- To summarize the current understanding of HEV global distribution.
- To discuss strategies for the control of HEV infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on HEV.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on HEV distribution.
- Evaluation of vaccine efficacy and safety data.
Main Results:
- HEV is increasingly reported as a foodborne zoonotic infection in developed nations.
- Chronic HEV infection and cirrhosis are documented in organ transplant recipients.
- HEV remains severe in pregnant women, with high mortality, though the reasons are unclear.
- A phase 2 trial demonstrated a recombinant HEV vaccine is well-tolerated and efficacious.
Conclusions:
- Understanding of HEV epidemiology in Western countries has significantly advanced.
- Chronic HEV in transplant recipients represents a new challenge in HEV management.
- An effective and safe recombinant HEV vaccine provides a promising tool for disease control.
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