Hepatitis E Viruses : Emerging and Transboundary Animal Viruses

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV), member of genus Orthohepevirus in the family Hepeviridae, is the leading cause of hepatitis E. More than 20 million cases of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection have been reported globally, out of which 3.3 million suffered from symptomatic illness and 44,000 deaths were recorded. Hepatitis E is considered highly significant on account of its predominance in both developed and developing nations due to poor sanitation and low-grade drinking water. In India and Africa, the major cause of hepatitis E was water contaminated with faecal matter. Reports from East and Southeast Asia signified the role of animal reservoir, especially pigs, for HEV. In Western Asia, the major cases of hepatitis E were associated with blood transfusion. However, in Europe and South and North America, the significant causes of hepatitis E were associated with the consumption of pork products. Till date, major rely is on the enzyme immunoassays involving antibodies for detection and diagnosis purpose. Still, there is a need for the improvement and development of new approaches and methods for diagnosing hepatitis E virus as well as developing HEV vaccines.