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From Discovery to Treatment: Tracing the Path of Hepatitis E Virus Publisher Pubmed



Letafati A1, 2 ; Taghiabadi Z2 ; Roushanzamir M2, 3 ; Memarpour B2, 4 ; Seyedi S2 ; Farahani AV2 ; Norouzi M2 ; Karamian S2 ; Zebardast A2 ; Mehrabinia M2 ; Ardekani OS2 ; Fallah T2 ; Khazry F2 ; Daneshvar SF2 Show All Authors
Authors
  1. Letafati A1, 2
  2. Taghiabadi Z2
  3. Roushanzamir M2, 3
  4. Memarpour B2, 4
  5. Seyedi S2
  6. Farahani AV2
  7. Norouzi M2
  8. Karamian S2
  9. Zebardast A2
  10. Mehrabinia M2
  11. Ardekani OS2
  12. Fallah T2
  13. Khazry F2
  14. Daneshvar SF2
  15. Norouzi M2
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Virology, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
  4. 4. Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Source: Virology Journal Published:2024


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. © The Author(s) 2024.
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