Hepatitis E virus: Infection beyond the liver?

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are not limited to the liver but may also affect other organs. Several diseases, including Guillain-Barr é syndrome, neuralgic amyotrophy, glomerulonephritis, cryoglobulinemia, pancreatitis, lymphoma, thrombopenia, meningitis, thyroiditis and myocarditis have been observed in the context of hepatitis E. To date, the definite pathophysiological links between HEV and extrahepatic manifestations are not yet established. However, it is suggested that HEV infection might be causative based on serological studies, case series, in vitro data and animal models.

Source: Journal of Hepatology - November 28, 2016 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Sven Pischke, Johannes Hartl, Suzan D. Pas, Ansgar W. Lohse, Bart C. Jacobs, Annemiek A. Van der Eijk Tags: Review Source Type: research