HEV

Question 1

Why did I go from HAV to HEV?

Answer 1

HEV is very similar to HAV… beyond that they are both ACUTE only

Question 2

What virus family is HEV?

Answer 2

HEV is in the calciviridae family

Question 3

What kind of genome does HEV have?

Answer 3

+ssRNA with a 7-methyl gaunosine cap

Question 4

What is the outermost layer of HEV?

Answer 4

Protein shell…think about HAV

Question 5

What is the incubation period of HEV?

Answer 5

Short…2-8 weeks

Question 6

What are the symptoms of an HEV infection?

Answer 6

Basically the same as HAV just a little later

EXCEPT there is a 20% mortality rate in PREGNANT women

Question 7

Why are pregnant women more likely to die of an HEV infection?

Answer 7

Possibly:
Immunological and hormonal factors;
Decreased T cells; OR
HCG suppresses cell-mediated immunity…but it is thought that liver damage is still immunological mediated

Question 8

How is HEV diagnosed?

Answer 8

Anti-HEV IgM or IgG

Question 9

How is an HEV infection treated?

Answer 9

HEV has NO treatment options/isn’t treated

Question 10

What kind of vaccine is available for HEV?

Answer 10

HEV does NOT have a vaccine