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

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. 

All ages

• Not seen.

•  No risk factor has been identified.

• Identification of histological lesions in the liver.
• Identification of the virus by PCR.
• Serology by ELISA.

• There is no effective treatment.
• No vaccines available.
• The virus is ubiquitous.