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.
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