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Review
. 2018 Nov 1;8(11):a032144.
doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a032144.

Transmission and Epidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 and 4 Infections

Harry R Dalton  1   2 , Jacques Izopet  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Transmission and Epidemiology of Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 and 4 Infections

Harry R Dalton et al. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. .

Abstract

Following the introduction of robust serological and molecular tools, our understanding of the epidemiology of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) has improved considerably in recent years. Current thinking suggests that consumption of pork meat products is the key route of infection in humans, but it is certainly not the only one. Other routes of infection include environmental spread, contaminated water, and via the human blood supply. The epidemiology of HEV genotype (gt)3 and gt4 is complex, as there are several sources and routes of infection, and it is likely that these vary between and within countries and over time.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Symptomatic and asymptomatic hepatitis E virus (HEV). More than 90% of infections with HEV genotype (gt)3 and gt4 are asymptomatic. Only a small minority of patients (mainly older males) develops symptomatic hepatitis (A). Other patients are symptomatic, but currently not diagnosed (B). These include patients who present with primarily a neurological illness. The numerical relationship between A and B is unclear.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Sources and routes of infection of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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