Hepatitis E virus infection: An old virus with a new story!

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an important public health problem. HEV infection has been identified as a major cause of enterically transmitted acute sporadic hepatitis in India especially in adult age group. India is hyperendemic for HEV, with the disease presenting both as outbreaks and as cases of acute sporadic viral hepatitis. Most of these outbreaks can be traced to contamination of drinking water supplies with human fecal matter. The last decade has witnessed tremendous change in our understanding of the virus in its epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic approaches, treatment options and the need for vaccination. With the identification of culture systems for HEV and development of animal models for its replication, knowledge regarding its replication and pathogenesis has evolved. This review attempts to discuss the nuances in our understanding of this virus, its pathogenesis and diagnosis, especially with reference to the Indian scenario.