[Hepatitis E virus infection. Hepatitis outbreaks].
A NON-ENVELOPED VIRUS: The hepatitis E virus is non-enveloped and measures approximately 32-34 nm in diameter. Its genome is a single stranded 7.5 kb RNA with three open-reading frames designated ORFI, 2 and 3. There is only one genotype, but several strains have been identified, with relatively high homology.
The virus is transmitted by the teco-oral route, usually from contaminated drinking water. Large outbreaks, sometimes involving over 100,00 cases, have been reported in many developing countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Central America.
The overall frequency of fulminant hepatitis is 0.5 to 3 p. 100, and, for unknown reasons, in pregnant women it reaches 15 to 25 p. 100. Vertical transmission from mother to infant appears to be frequent, with occurrence of clinical, occasionally fatal hepatitis.
Detection of IgG and IgM antibodies is possible with current ELISA tests.


CONCLUSIONS
Recombinant vaccines are currently being tested in animals and should allow an efficient prevention in the near future.
Erlinger
S
S
Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy. erlinger@bichat.inserm.fr
D003906:Developing Countries; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D016751:Hepatitis E / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans