Viral infection caused by Hepatitis E causing swelling on liver.
The incubation period (the time one has the infection and then has symptoms) is around 15–60 days, three weeks after infection.
The symptoms are mild and last for a couple of weeks unless one already has liver disease.
Long term infection is rare with hepatitis E.
It tends to affect mainly 15-40 year olds.
Diagnosis Tests
HEV RNA can be detected in the blood and stools, which occurs shortly before the onset of symptoms. For patients with acute infection, HEV RNA can be detected in the blood for 3–6 weeks, and shedding in the stool can occur for 4–6 weeks.
Definitive diagnosis of HEV infection is usually based on the detection of specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M antibodies to the virus in the patient’s blood.
IgM antibodies, which are short-lived and detected over 4–6 months, appear first.
They are followed by the appearance of IgG antibodies, which are long-lasting and have increasing antibody over time.
There are at least four different genotypes: 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Genotypes 1 and 2 occur most commonly in developing countries in Africa and Asia.
Genotypes 3 and 4 primarily cause infections in developed nations.
Red and/or raised hive rash (especially hepatitis B)?
Itching?
Then within 2-5 days the infection will trigger the build-up of bilirubin (an orange-yellow pigment produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells).
Further symptoms include (if these symptoms occurs one needs urgent medical advice):
Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes)?
Dark coloured urine?
Pale or clay-coloured stools?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Hepatitis E in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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