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- Title
From discovery to treatment: tracing the path of hepatitis E virus.
- Authors
Letafati, Arash; Taghiabadi, Zahra; Roushanzamir, Mahshid; Memarpour, Bahar; Seyedi, Saba; Farahani, Ali Vasheghani; Norouzi, Masoomeh; Karamian, Saeideh; Zebardast, Arghavan; Mehrabinia, Marzieh; Ardekani, Omid Salahi; Fallah, Tina; Khazry, Fatemeh; Daneshvar, Samin Fathi; Norouzi, Mehdi
- Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. HEV is classified into eight genotypes, labeled HEV-1 through HEV-8. Genotypes 1 and 2 exclusively infect humans, while genotypes 3, 4, and 7 can infect both humans and animals. In contrast, genotypes 5, 6, and 8 are restricted to infecting animals. While most individuals with a strong immune system experience a self-limiting infection, those who are immunosuppressed may develop chronic hepatitis. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to severe illness and mortality due to HEV infection. In addition to liver-related complications, HEV can also cause extrahepatic manifestations, including neurological disorders. The immune response is vital in determining the outcome of HEV infection. Deficiencies in T cells, NK cells, and antibody responses are linked to poor prognosis. Interestingly, HEV itself contains microRNAs that regulate its replication and modify the host's antiviral response. Diagnosis of HEV infection involves the detection of HEV RNA and anti-HEV IgM/IgG antibodies. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment for acute infection, while chronic HEV infection may be cleared with the use of ribavirin and pegylated interferon. Prevention remains the best approach against HEV, focusing on sanitation infrastructure improvements and vaccination, with one vaccine already licensed in China. This comprehensive review provides insights into the spread, genotypes, prevalence, and clinical effects of HEV. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for further research and attention to HEV, particularly in cases of acute hepatitis, especially among solid-organ transplant recipients.
- Subjects
HEPATITIS E virus; CHRONIC active hepatitis; KILLER cells; VIRAL hepatitis; ANTIBODY formation
- Publication
Virology Journal, 2024, Vol 21, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
1743-422X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1186/s12985-024-02470-3