LAUSR

In resource-poor countries, its transmission resembles that of HAV, with epidemic outbreaks essentially due to faecal contamination of water. Sporadic cases have been reported in Western countries, both due to travel to endemic areas and due to autochthonous transmission, mainly as a result of consuming undercooked meat or liver. Transmission through blood transfusions is possible, and transmission through interpersonal contact is uncommon. RNA from HEV belonging to a genotype identical to that detected in a patient with acute hepatitis due to HEV who had ingested frozen boar and deer meat intended for consumption has been isolated in this meat. Similarly, simultaneous cases of acute hepatitis E have been reported in individuals who had consumed undercooked meat from the same animal. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG has also been shown to be higher in those who consume raw meat than in those who do not. In conclusion, in acute hepatitis of probable viral origin, it is necessary to perform a suitable medical history that includes information on the consumption of raw or undercooked meat products. This is particularly important if there are no indications of other aetiologies and HAV, HBV, HCV and CMV serologies are negative.