Hepatitis E virus

Biology : Viruses

Classification: Group IV virus

Commonly known as HEV.

 

Pathogenesis

Although the virus does interfere with the functioning of infected hepatocytes, most of the damage is caused by the immune system itself.

• Viral hepatitis
• Acute liver inflammation.

 

Routes of transmission

Faecal-oral

• Direct contact with infected hosts  (person to person)
• Ingestion of contaminated water (waterborne)
• Ingestion of contaminated food (foodborne)

See also 

• World Health Organisation fact sheet