Hepatitis E (HEV) IgM + IgG

General Information:

Laborexpress 2000 offers a diagnosis of Hepatitis E, one of the most prevalent viral hepatitis in developing countries.

• Anti-HEV Ig M antibodies are detected a week after infection and reach peak values after the first month of the body encounter with the virus. Usually, they are found 3 to 6 months after the disease and are replaced by another class of antibodies in that period.
• Anti-HEV IgG antibodies are detected later in the course of hepatitis E infection after the appearance of anti-HEV IgM. They remain for a long time after an illness (more than 6 months).

The risk factors for HEV infection are related to poor sanitation conditions in large areas of the world, and the release of hepatitis E virus into stools. Consumption of faecal contaminated drinking water raises epidemics, as well as the reception of raw / slightly heat treated / shellfish and marine products.

The highest rates of infection occur in areas where low standards of hygiene contribute to virus transmission: Central and Southeast Asia, North and West Africa, and Mexico. The disease is usually diagnosed in patients who have travelled to endemic areas and are negative for Hepatitis A markers

The incubation period (from infection to the first symptoms) is from 2 to 10 days, on average 40 days.
Symptoms at the beginning include malaise, anorexia, abdominal pain, joint pain.

Typical signs and symptoms of hepatitis E include jaundice (yellow skin and eye scars, dark urine and pale faeces), anorexia (loss of appetite), liver enlargement (hepatomegaly), abdominal pain and soreness, nausea and vomiting with fever. The disease may vary in severity, most severely occurring in pregnant women. Laboratory tests and epidemiological evidence help the diagnostics.

Liver function and enzymes test are also recommended.

A vaccine has been developed for frequent travellers in these areas but it is not licensed in Bulgaria.

Sample Required:

Venous blood

Keywords:

Hepatitis E - HEV, IgM + IgG