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Hepatitis E Virus in Industrialized Countries: The Silent Threat
Pilar Clemente-Casares1, Carlota Ramos-Romero2, Eugenio Ramirez-Gonzalez3
1Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02008 Albacete, Spain; School of Pharmacy, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 02071 Albacete, Spain.
Biomed Research International
|January 11, 2017
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is now widespread globally, including in Europe. Studies show HEV circulates in animals and the environment, posing risks through food, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a primary cause of acute viral hepatitis globally.
- Initially, developed countries primarily reported imported HEV cases, but autochthonous infections are now recognized.
- HEV infection is linked to chronic hepatitis and various extrahepatic manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review data on Hepatitis E virus in European countries since the 1990s.
- To understand the epidemiology, sources, and transmission routes of HEV in Europe.
- To highlight the need for HEV source control, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of human, animal, and environmental data from European countries.
- Analysis of serological data to assess HEV prevalence in the population.
- Identification of animal reservoirs and environmental contamination pathways.
Main Results:
- Autochthonous HEV strains were first detected in Europe in the late 1990s/early 2000s.
- Pigs, wild boars, and deer are identified as significant HEV reservoirs in Europe.
- HEV has been detected in environmental samples, mussels, and pork products, indicating food chain contamination.
Conclusions:
- HEV is endemic in Europe, with frequent infections in the human population.
- Animal reservoirs and environmental contamination are key factors in HEV transmission in Europe.
- Protecting immunocompromised individuals requires targeted studies to control HEV sources.
