Knowra Hepatitis E Hepatitis E Hepatitis E is a liver infection caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is usually acquired through contaminated water or food and often resolves without specific treatment.
Hepatitis E virus : Hepatitis E virus is a positive-sense RNA virus that infects the liver and causes hepatitis E. The virus’s genotypes and transmission routes shape how infection appears across regions.
Liver function tests : Liver function tests are blood measurements used to assess liver-cell injury, bile flow, and aspects of liver function. Marked aminotransferase elevations can support evaluation of suspected acute hepatitis E.
Hepatitis A : Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by hepatitis A virus, commonly spread through contaminated food or water. It shares fecal–oral transmission with HEV but is caused by a different virus and has an effective vaccine.
Chronic hepatitis E : Chronic hepatitis E is persistent HEV infection, occurring mainly in people with weakened immune systems. It is an exception to the usual self-limited course and can progressively damage the liver.
Fecal–oral transmission : Fecal–oral transmission occurs when infectious material from feces reaches another person’s mouth, often through food or water. This route drives waterborne outbreaks where sanitation is inadequate.
Serology : Serology is the study or diagnostic use of antibodies and antigens in blood serum. HEV antibody testing can help identify recent infection when symptoms and exposure suggest hepatitis E.
Hepatitis B : Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus, spread mainly through blood and certain body fluids. Unlike typical acute HEV, hepatitis B can become a chronic infection and has a distinct transmission pattern.
Cirrhosis : Cirrhosis is advanced liver scarring that distorts liver structure and impairs its function. Persistent HEV can accelerate liver damage in transplant recipients and others with chronic liver disease.
Hepatocyte : A hepatocyte is the main functional cell of the liver, carrying out metabolism, detoxification, and protein production. HEV infects liver cells, where viral replication contributes to inflammation and injury.
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction : Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction detects RNA by converting it into DNA and amplifying selected sequences. HEV RNA testing is useful in immunocompromised patients and for detecting ongoing infection.
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