IM
HEPATITIS E
- Mode of transmission is similar to Hep A (contaminated food and water).
- Mostly causes acute hepatitis but may cause chronic hepatitis in people on immunosuppressive medications.
- Infection is self-limited (no need for medications).
- Can be very severe if it occurs in a pregnant lady (maternal mortality 20%).
- Maternal and fetal complications can occur (fetal death, preterm delivery).
Thera
Zoonotic.
Clinical features:
- Similar to clinical features of acute hepatitis A
- In most cases, the disease is self-limited.
Diagnostics:
- PCR: can detect HEV RNA in stool and serum samples
- Anti-HEV IgM antibodies: active infection
Complications
- Fulminant hepatitis especially in pregnant ladies.
- Chronic HEV infection in immunosuppressed individuals
Prevention
- Recombinant vaccine (not FDA approved).
