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Review
. 2019 Feb:34:10-17.
doi: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.11.006. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Hepatitis E virus: reasons for emergence in humans

Harini Sooryanarain  1 , Xiang-Jin Meng  2
Affiliations
Review

Hepatitis E virus: reasons for emergence in humans

Harini Sooryanarain et al. Curr Opin Virol. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infects both humans and other animal species. Recently, we have seen a steady increase in autochthonous cases of human HEV infection in certain areas especially in Europe, and large outbreaks in several African countries among the displaced population. This mini-review critically analyzes potential host, environmental, and viral factors that may be associated with the emergence of hepatitis E in humans. The existence of numerous HEV reservoir animals such as pig, deer and rabbit results in human exposure to infected animals via direct contact or through animal meat consumption. Contamination of drinking, irrigation and coastal water by animal and human wastes lead to emergence of endemic cases in industrialized countries and outbreaks in displaced communities especially in war-torn countries.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Worldwide prevalence of human hepatitis E cases associated with genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 HEV infections.
Genotypes (Gt) 1 and 2 HEV mainly infect humans and are transmitted via fecal-oral route through contaminated water or water supplies. Gt3 and Gt4 HEVs are zoonotic in nature, and are transmitted to human through direct contact with infected animals or through eating undercooked or raw animal meat products. Pigs, wild boar and deer meats are most commonly associated with Gt3 and Gt4 transmission to humans. Gt3 rabbit HEV infection of human is reported from France, and Gt7 camel HEV infection of human is reported from Middle East.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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