Hepatitis E virus

Abstract

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the main etiological agents of enteric hepatitis in the world. In developing countries its sero-prevalence ranges from 20 to 50% and in developed countries from 4.4% to 21%. Clinically, cases of HEV infection in immunocompetent individuals present as self-limited acute viral hepatitis; conversely, in pregnant women, transplanted individuals, and individuals living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the infection can manifest as chronic and severe hepatitis. In Latin America, only Brazil and Argentina report figures for individuals living with HIV. More studies are required in our region to determine the prevalence of HEV in immunosuppressed individuals, blood donors, and the general population to adopt measures that guarantee timely diagnosis, access to care, and control of transmission.