Not So (A) Cute: Chronic Evolution of Hepatitis E Virus

Although HEV causes self-limiting acute infection, an atypicalclinical presentation with persistent viremia in immunocompromisedindividuals has emerged recently, in developed countries. Inthe absence of travel to endemic regions, indigenous HEV infectiondue to zoonotic viral strains are implicated in such chroniccases. Presently, IFN-α-2a and Ribavirin are proving effective intreating chronic hepatitis E patients.The underlying mechanisms ofthis chronic adaptation is poorly understood so far and therefore, acomprehensive clinical, virological and molecular study is neededto control the disease.