Hepatits E is clinically very similar to Hepatitis A.
Aetiology
- Water borne similar to hep A(shell fish and water melons!). 30% of dogs, rodents and pigs carry the virus
- Commonly seen in Asia and the Far East
Presentation
Very similar to that of hep A:
- Many patients are asymptomatic. They may never know they have had the disease
- Very rarely it can be lifethreatening
- May be a prodromal phase
- Jaundice, malaise, abdominal pain, nausea & fever – usually lasting around 2 weeks
Other Factors:
- Does not have a chronic state
- 25% mortality in pregnancy. Often baby will also die. This does not happen with hep A.
- During an acute infection, IgM antibodies (anti-HEV) are present.
- There is no active or passive immunity to hepatitis E
