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[Hepatitis E infections in the Western world].
Paul A Rootjes1, Martin J Wagtmans, Joanne Verheij
1Rode Kruis Ziekenhuis, afd. Maag-, Darm- en Leverziekten, Beverwijk, the Netherlands. p.rootjes@gmail.com
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|January 19, 2013
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is increasingly common in the Netherlands, even in patients without recent travel history. Early diagnosis through serological and PCR testing is crucial for managing infectious hepatitis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of infectious hepatitis globally.
- HEV infections are increasingly reported in non-endemic regions like the Netherlands.
- HEV is often underdiagnosed, especially in patients without typical travel histories.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old male presented with non-specific symptoms including malaise, nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
- Initial assessment by a gastroenterologist indicated hepatitis.
- Further investigations included serology, PCR, and liver biopsy.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with acute HEV infection.
- The diagnosis was confirmed through serological blood tests and PCR testing for HEV-RNA.
- The patient recovered fully without specific antiviral treatment.
Implications:
- HEV is endemic in Western countries and should not be considered solely an imported disease.
- Diagnostic protocols for infectious hepatitis should include HEV testing.
- Serological and PCR-based HEV-RNA testing are essential components of diagnostic workups.
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