Hepatitis E Virus (HEV)

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a non-enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus in Hepeviridae family, genus Hepevirus, 27–34 nm diameter. There are four HEV genotypes: Genotype 1 in Africa and Asia, Genotype 2 in Mexico and West Africa, Genotype 3 as isolated cases in developed countries, and Genotype 4 in China and Taiwan.

PLC/PRF/5 human hepatoma or A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines

Genotypes 1 and 2: human; Genotypes 3 and 4: human, pig, boar, deer. NHPs, non-inbred white mice and Wistar rats can be experimentally infected.

Fecal-oral (feces-contaminated drinking water); food-borne (consumption of uncooked/ undercooked shellfish, pork or deer meat); blood-borne (blood transfusions); mother to baby immediately before and after birth; person-to-person (uncommon)

HEV causes acute sporadic and epidemic viral hepatitis. The ratio of symptomatic to asymptomatic Hepatitis E (HE) ranges from 1:2 to 1:13. When symptoms occur, they last 1-2 weeks and include jaundice, anorexia, enlarged tender liver, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and fever. Pregnant women are at greater risk of obstetrical complications and death, with 10-30% mortality rate among pregnant women in the third trimester. Sporadically, HEV Genotype 3 mainly affect older men (>40 years) and immunocompromised individuals.

Unknown.

15-60 day (average 40 day). HEV has been detected in stool from one week prior to symptom onset up to 30 days after onset of jaundice. Chronically infected persons (exclusively HEV Genotype 3 infections of immunocompromised) shed virus as long as infected.

None

None

Infections of HEV are not clinically distinguishable from other types of acute viral hepatitis. No serologic tests have been approved by the FDA. Diagnosis of HEV infection is based on detection of IgM and IgG antibodies against the virus, or detection of HEV RNA in blood or stool.

Hepatitis E is self-limiting and usually resolves on its own without treatment. Patients are typically advised to rest and get adequate nutrition and fluids. Hospitalization is sometimes required in severe cases and should be considered for pregnant women.

Monitor for symptoms of disease.

Report all incidents using PeopleSoft

No cases of laboratory-acquired infections have been reported to date.

Potential sources include feces and sera from infected NHPs or humans.

Hepatitis E Virus Information

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Hepatitis E virus

Follow biosafety level 2 practices and containment for activities utilizing HEV, or HEV-infected feces, blood, or other tissues.

Animal biosafety level 2 practices and containment are recommended for activities using naturally or experimentally infected NHPs or other animal models that may shed the virus.

Notify others working in the lab. Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE. An EPA-registered disinfectant should be used to remove contaminating matter from surfaces (e.g., of bench tops and equipment). All decontamination litter and other disposable materials should be autoclaved.

For assistance, contact Emory’s Biosafety Officer (404-727-8863), or the EHSO Spill Team (404-727-2888).

Flush eyes, mouth or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.

Wash area with soap and water for 15 minutes.

Immediately report incident to supervisor, complete an employee incident report in PeopleSoft.

7am-4pm (OIM): EUH (404-686-7941) EUHM (404-686-7106) WW (404-728-6431)

After Hours: OIM NP On Call 404-686-5500 PIC# 50464

Needle Stick (OIM): EUH (404-686-8587) EUHM (404-686-2352)

Yerkes: Maureen Thompson Office (404-727-8012) Cell (404-275-0963)

Susceptible to 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde

Inactivated by heat (60°C for 30 minutes), UV and gamma irradiation.

Does survive outside the host

At minimum, personnel are required to don gloves, closed toed shoes, lab coat, and appropriate face and eye protection prior to working with HEV-infected samples. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs

All procedures that may produce aerosols, or involve high concentrations or large volumes should be done in a BSC.