Severe hepatitis in a pregnant woman - think hepatitis E

• RNA hepevirus

• spread by the faecal-oral route

  • commonly affecting shellfish and pork products.

• incubation period: 3-8 weeks

• common in Central and South-East Asia, North and West Africa, and in Mexico

• causes a similar disease to hepatitis A, but carries a significant mortality (about 20%) during pregnancy

• does not cause chronic disease or an increased risk of hepatocellular cancer

• Blood results show elevated bilirubin and significant transaminitis.

• a vaccine is currently in development, but is not yet in widespread use