Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026
13:04
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
24.7K
Hepatitis E Virus: A New Foodborne Zoonotic Concern
David Rodríguez-Lázaro1, Marta Hernandez2, Nigel Cook3
1Microbiology Division, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain.
Advances in Food and Nutrition Research
|August 6, 2018
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause liver damage, with genotypes 1 and 2 posing severe risks to pregnant women. Foodborne transmission, particularly through undercooked meat, is a concern, but its full extent remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an enteric RNA virus with four genotypes linked to human infections.
- Genotypes 1 and 2 are human-specific and prevalent in developing nations, while zoonotic genotypes 3 and 4 are found in animals like pigs in developed countries.
- HEV infection can lead to liver damage, with genotypes 1 and 2 causing severe illness and high mortality in pregnant women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and significance of foodborne transmission of Hepatitis E virus.
- To elucidate the role of different HEV genotypes in human infections and disease severity.
- To highlight the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked meat products.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reported foodborne HEV transmission cases.
- Analysis of HEV genotype distribution in human and animal populations.
- Review of clinical manifestations and outcomes of HEV infections.
Main Results:
- Foodborne transmission of HEV is frequently reported, often linked to meat consumption, especially when raw or undercooked.
- Genotypes 1 and 2 are associated with severe outcomes in pregnant women.
- The precise extent of HEV foodborne transmission requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis E virus poses a significant public health risk through foodborne routes.
- Understanding HEV genotypes and transmission pathways is crucial for prevention and control.
- Further research is needed to fully quantify the impact of foodborne HEV transmission.
Related Concept Videos
00:50What are Viruses?
128.3K
Overview
128.3K
01:08Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
281
Hepatic impairment, characterized by decreased liver function, does not uniformly mandate adjustments in drug dosage. Whether dosage modifications are necessary depends on various factors related to the drug's metabolism and elimination pathways. If a drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys and bypasses significant hepatic processing, if it undergoes minimal metabolic transformation in the liver, or if it is volatile and primarily expelled through the lungs, dose adjustments may not be...
281
01:21Hepatic Portal System
6.0K
The hepatic portal system, a critical part of our circulatory framework, transports nutrient-laden, deoxygenated blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This ingenious system plays an indispensable role in maintaining our body's metabolic equilibrium.
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is...
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is...
6.0K
01:26Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
247
Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
247
01:16Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors
592
The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
592
01:14Hepatic Drug Clearance: Role of Transporters
310
In the liver and bile canaliculi, influx and efflux transporters modification can influence intrinsic clearance. Transporters play a significant role in moving drugs within liver cells. Elaborate models, such as the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS), are essential to relate transporters to drug disposition. This system categorizes drugs into four classes based on solubility and permeability, providing insights into elimination routes and the effects of transporters following oral...
310