Risk factors for hepatitis E virus infection and disease.
Hepatitis E, caused by hepatitis E virus, is a disease of global significance, causing 20 million infections each year. Genotypes 1 and 2 have vastly different epidemiological patterns from genotypes 3 and 4. In genotype 1 and 2 endemic areas, most infections and illness occur in persons 15-30 years of age, with pregnant women being the most likely to experience severe disease. In genotype 3 and 4 endemic areas, most infections and illness occur in those of age 40-60 years, with males representing a large portion of those with severe disease. However, the lack of an easily accessible serologic assay in many countries continues to be a barrier to the diagnosis and recognition of hepatitis E virus.
Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Brittany L
BL
Kmush
Kenrad E
KE
Nelson
Alain B
AB
Labrique
D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D016751:Hepatitis E / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D016752:Hepatitis E virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors
asymptomatic infection; epidemiology; hepatitis E; hepatitis E virus; risk factors; severe disease