Chronic hepatitis E virus infection in a pediatric female liver transplant recipient

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a significant cause of acute and chronic liver disease globally.
• Liver transplant recipients are immunocompromised, increasing their susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
• Chronic HEV infection is a recognized complication, particularly in certain genotypes and patient populations.

Observation:

• A 13-year-old female liver transplant recipient presented with recurrently elevated aminotransferase levels.
• The patient also experienced episodes of acute cellular rejection post-transplantation.
• These clinical signs suggested a potential underlying chronic infectious or inflammatory process.

Findings:

• The case confirmed a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in the liver transplant recipient.
• This represents a rare but significant complication in immunocompromised individuals.
• The chronic HEV infection was associated with ongoing liver damage and rejection episodes.

Implications:

• Chronic HEV infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of liver dysfunction in immunocompromised patients.
• Increased awareness and diagnostic investigation for HEV are crucial in Latin America, where HEV prevalence is rising.
• Early detection and management of chronic HEV may improve outcomes for liver transplant recipients.