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Published on: June 26, 2020
A pediatric patient with acute hepatitis E in Japan
Yoshitami Sanayama1, Naruhiko Ishiwada, Chie Fukasawa
1Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan. hyouma37@yahoo.co.jp
Summary
A Bangladeshi boy contracted acute hepatitis E in Japan, caused by genotype I, common in South Asia. This case suggests possible local transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Japan, despite it not being considered endemic.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute liver inflammation globally.
- HEV genotype I is primarily associated with epidemic outbreaks in South Asia.
- The endemicity of HEV in Japan is not well-established, with most cases linked to travel.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old boy from Bangladesh developed acute hepatitis E after residing in Japan for over six months.
- The patient presented with symptoms of hepatitis E but did not develop fulminant liver failure.
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype I was identified in the patient.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation and HEV genotype (genotype I) suggest a potential infection acquired in Japan.
- The prolonged incubation period supports the possibility of autochthonous HEV transmission within Japan.
- Recovery without complications was observed in this case.
Implications:
- This case raises awareness about the potential for non-indigenous HEV genotypes to circulate in Japan.
- Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and transmission routes of HEV in non-endemic regions like Japan.
- Clinical vigilance for hepatitis E, including non-endemic genotypes, is important in travelers and residents in Japan.
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