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.

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