Overview of hepatitis E virus

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an enterically transmitted virus usually presenting as an acute self-limiting disease. However, mortality increases dramatically from around 1% to 20% in pregnant women. HEV has been the cause of very large outbreaks of hepatitis in developing countries and is also responsible for a significant number of sporadic cases. It is clear that cases occur outside the endemic areas, and new isolates have been identified. HEV-like viruses have also been found in various animal groups, and it is likely that HEV can be regarded as a zoonotic infection. Preventative measures at the moment depend mainly on the provision of clean water supplies, although a vaccine is now undergoing clinical trials.