Hepatitis E virus: reasons for emergence in humans

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infects humans and animals, with rising autochthonous cases in Europe.
• Large HEV outbreaks occur in African displaced populations.
• HEV transmission involves zoonotic reservoirs and contaminated water sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze host, environmental, and viral factors contributing to the emergence of hepatitis E in humans.
• To understand the drivers behind increasing HEV infections in industrialized and developing regions.

Main Methods:

• This mini-review synthesizes existing research on HEV epidemiology and transmission.
• Analysis of host-related factors (reservoir animals).
• Evaluation of environmental factors (water contamination).

Main Results:

• Numerous animal reservoirs (pigs, deer, rabbits) facilitate human HEV exposure through direct contact or consumption.
• Contaminated water sources (drinking, irrigation, coastal) from animal and human waste are key transmission routes.
• HEV emergence is linked to both endemic cases in industrialized nations and outbreaks in vulnerable, displaced populations.

Conclusions:

• Zoonotic reservoirs and environmental contamination are critical factors in human Hepatitis E emergence.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for controlling HEV in both endemic and outbreak settings.
• Public health strategies must address animal-human interfaces and water safety to mitigate HEV spread.