What causes hepatitis E virus?
Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). HEV is found in the stool of an infected person. It is spread when someone unknowingly ingests the virus – even in microscopic amounts.
What is the pathophysiology of hepatitis E?
The pathogenesis of hepatitis E is poorly understood. Since HEV is presumably transmitted by the fecal-oral route, it is unclear how the virus reaches the liver. Perhaps there is an extra-hepatic site of virus replication. The virus could replicate in the intestinal tract before reaching the liver.
How is hepatitis E virus prevented?
Prevention of hepatitis E relies primarily on good sanitation and the availability of clean drinking water. Travelers to developing countries can reduce their risk for infection by not drinking unpurified water. Boiling and chlorination of water will inactivate HEV.
When did Hepatitis E start?
Evolution. The strains of HEV that exist today may have arisen from a shared ancestor virus 536 to 1344 years ago. Another analysis has dated the origin of Hepatitis E to ~6000 years ago, with a suggestion that this was associated with domestication of pigs.
Is Hepatitis E life threatening?
Hepatitis E generally clears up on its own with few complications. In rare cases, it can lead to acute liver failure, which can be fatal. Mortality rates for the virus are low.
Where can you get hepatitis E?
The hepatitis E virus spreads through poop. You can catch it if you drink or eat something that has been in contact with the stool of someone who has the virus. Hepatitis E is more common in parts of the world with poor handwashing habits and lack of clean water.
What type of virus is hep E?
Hepatitis E is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV); it is a type of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis E has mainly a fecal-oral transmission route that is similar to hepatitis A, although the viruses are unrelated.
What is the difference between hepatitis A and E?
Hepatitis A is diagnosed by a blood test. Hepatitis E is diagnosed by detection of the virus in the blood or stool. Improved hygiene and drinking clean water are the key factors in prevention.
What is the fastest way to cure hepatitis E?
There is no specific treatment capable of altering the course of acute hepatitis E. As the disease is usually self-limiting, hospitalization is generally not required. Most important is the avoidance of unnecessary medications.
Is hepatitis E life threatening?