Hepatitis E

Causes

Hepatitis E is inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Hepatitis E has mainly a fecal-oral transmission route that is similar to hepatitis A.

Symptoms and Signs

Typical manifestations of viral hepatitis occur: anorexia, malaise, nausea and vomiting, and fever, followed by jaundice.

Hepatitis E may be severe, especially in pregnant women; in them, risk of fulminant hepatitis and death is increased.

Diagnosis

IgM antibody test

Treatment

Supportive treatment

Treatment

  • Supportive care
  • For chronic hepatitis E, possibly ribavirin