Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
10:28
A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
Hepatitis E virus in patients with unexplained hepatitis in Finland
Tuija Kantala1, Leena Maunula, Carl-Henrik von Bonsdorff
1Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 66, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland. tuija.kantala@helsinki.fi
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a potential cause of unexplained hepatitis in Finland. This study found HEV in over 20% of patients, suggesting it should be considered in diagnosing hepatitis cases.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of viral hepatitis globally, primarily in developing nations.
- Recent HEV detections in industrialized countries suggest a broader geographical impact than previously recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if HEV contributes to unexplained acute hepatitis cases in Finland.
- To assess the prevalence of HEV infection in Finnish patients with undiagnosed hepatitis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 105 serum samples from 97 patients with acute unexplained hepatitis.
- Detection of anti-HEV IgM/IgG antibodies using ELISA and immunoblotting.
- HEV RNA detection and partial nucleotide sequencing of viral isolates.
Main Results:
- Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 22.7% of patients.
- HEV RNA was identified in 8.2% of samples, with sequencing confirming HEV genotype 1.
- Three HEV-positive patients had recent travel history to Asia.
Conclusions:
- HEV is a potential etiological agent for acute hepatitis in Finland.
- These findings highlight the need to consider HEV in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis in non-endemic regions.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and FibroScan are valuable diagnostic tools in gastroenterology and hepatology, each with specific applications and techniques.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
01:18Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. After transmission through a mosquito bite, the virus initially replicates in skin-resident immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells then migrate to the lymph nodes, where viral replication increases, eventually leading to...
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
01:22Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...