Enterically transmitted hepatitis. Hepatitis A and E viruses.
Enterically-transmitted hepatitis is caused by hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus. The most important agent is hepatitis A virus, which is distributed worldwide and infects all age groups. Most infections in children are minimally symptomatic and immunity is long-lasting, so severe disease tends to occur in nonimmune adults. Hepatitis E virus is found in the developing world and has a greater propensity for symptomatic infection of children. Both agents are transmitted via contaminated water, often through food vehicles.
Winn
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Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vermont, USA. washington.winn@vtmednet.org
D000818:Animals; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D016751:Hepatitis E / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D016752:Hepatitis E virus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006507:Hepatovirus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors