BỆNH VIÊM GAN VI RÚT E

Abstract

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the common causes of acute viral hepatitis, but it is rarely diagnosed. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is small, nonenveloped, single - stranded RNA, belongs to genus Hepevirus in the family Hepeviridae and there are four genotypes that can infect humans.

Epidemiology: HEV infection has a global distribution, with genotype prevalence varies across geographic regions, HEV prevalence rates are higher in developing countries (genotype 1,2) as compared with developed countries (genotype 3,4). HEV can be transmitted through the gastrointestinal tract, rarely through blood transfusion and from mother to child.

Clinical manifestations: Most acute hepatitis E have mild manifestations and self - limited in immunocompetent patients. However, special patients (pregnant women, preexisting liver disease, immunodeficiency) may experience complications such as acute liver failure, cholestatic hepatitis or chronic hepatitis E.

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of acute HEV is typically based upon the detection of anti - HEV IgM in serum and increase of anti - HEV IgG titer (increase more than 5 times after 2 weeks) or detection of HEV - RNA in serum or in stool. Chronic HEV infection is detection of HEV - RNA in serum or stool for longer than six months.

Treatment: Treatment of acute HEV infection is mainly supportive. Treatment of chronic HEV infection involves a reduction of immunosuppressive therapy and/or the use of antiviral therapy. Prevention: use clean water, avoid eating undercooked animals. A vaccine against HEV has been developed and licensed in China and has been shown to be highly effective in preventing HEV infection.