Hepatitis E virus
Hepatitis E has been identified in pigs with uncertain clinical significance, but it is a very important viral infection in humans, mostly seen in third world countries of Asia and Africa.
Alternative names: HEV
Information
In pigs, swine hepatitis E causes microscopic lesions in the liver without any clinical presentation. It is considered important, being a zoonotic disease. Humans can be infected by exposure to infected pigs or by consuming improperly cooked meat. Hepatitis E virus is prevalent in pigs worldwide. Two-month old pigs appear negative on serology, but most are positive after 3 months of age. The suspected route of transmission is via feces.
Symptoms
All ages
- Not seen.
Causes / Contributing Factors
- No risk factor has been identified.
Diagnosis
- Identification of histological lesions in the liver.
- Identification of the virus by PCR.
- Serology by ELISA.
Control/Prevention
- There is no effective treatment.
- No vaccines available.
- The virus is ubiquitous.
