The pressing need for a global HEV vaccine

Area of Science:

• Virology and Immunology
• Public Health and Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes significant epidemics globally, particularly in low-income nations, highlighting a critical need for widespread vaccine availability.
• High-risk populations for severe HEV infection include patients with chronic liver disease, pregnant women, and immunosuppressed individuals, especially solid organ transplant recipients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the pressing clinical need for a global hepatitis E vaccine.
• To evaluate the potential role of existing and future hepatitis E vaccines in controlling outbreaks and protecting at-risk populations.
• To identify the need for further clinical trials in specific vulnerable groups.

Main Methods:

• Review of global HEV distribution and epidemic potential.
• Characterization of populations at risk for severe HEV infection.
• Assessment of the current status, efficacy, safety, accessibility, and long-term data of the sole available HEV vaccine.
• Identification of knowledge gaps regarding vaccine use in specific patient cohorts.

Main Results:

• One effective and safe HEV vaccine is available but has limited accessibility and data on long-term efficacy and protection duration.
• Vaccine effectiveness and tolerability have not been studied in patients with chronic liver disease or immunosuppressed individuals.
• Hepatitis E vaccination holds promise for controlling waterborne epidemics.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant global need for accessible hepatitis E vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups.
• Clinical trials are urgently required to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of the HEV vaccine in patients with chronic liver disease and immunosuppressed individuals.
• Vaccination strategies are crucial for managing HEV outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.