Hepatitis E

Today is our topic of discussion Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E

Definition:

Hepatitis E is the viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV).

Epidemiology:

Hepatitis E should be suspected in outbreaks of waterborne hepatitis occurring in developing countries like Bangladesh, especially if the disease is severe in pregnant women, or hepatitis-A been excluded.

Incidence & risk factors:

Symptomatic HEV infection is most common in young adults aged 15- 40 years. Causal associations are same as hepatitis-A.

Incubation-period:

3 to 8 weeks with a mean of 40 days.

Mode of transmission:

Faeco-oral & water-borne

Source:

Contaminated food & water; raw or uncooked food; there is a possibility of zoonotic spread of the virus, since several non-human primates, pigs, cows, sheep and goats are susceptible to infection.

Signs and symptoms:

May be asymptomatic or mild illness without particularly in children. Typical S/S include –
1. Jaundice
2. Loss of appetite
3. An enlarged, tender liver
4. Abdominal pain and tenderness
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Fever

Prognosis:

1. In general, hepatitis E is a self-limiting viral infection.
2. Occasionally, a fulminate form of hepatitis develops, especially in 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

Diagnosis:

Anti-HEV:

Detects whether the infection is current (IgM) or has been cleared (IgG)

Serum bilirubin:

Detects the level of bilirubin in the blood

SGPT & SGOT:

Detects severity of hepatitis and follow-up purposes

Treatment:

The disease is self limiting and hospitalization is usually not required unless fulminant hepatitis and pregnancy. General plan of treatment same as Hepatitis-Amolque

Preventive & control measures for hepatitis-A and E:

Proper sanitation:

a. Improving water supply

b. Proper excreta disposal
c. Maintenance of hygiene (both personal and environmental)

d. Sanitary improvements of food stores and kitchen

Health education about:

a. Use of safe drinking water & sanitary latrine
b. Proper disposal of excreta
c. Food handlers should be educated in matters of food hygiene

d. Adequate breast feeding & improved weaning practices

Fly control:

Controlling breeding of flies in association with faeces & dirty water.

Timely control of epidemics:

By strengthening of epidemiological surveillance systems.

Vaccination –

Vaccine for hepatitis-A is available (Avaxim and Havrix), but not for hepatitis E.

Screening of blood donors (hepatitis A)

See also :

• MBBS Admission Test Result 2021-2022