HEPATITIS-E VIRUS - MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY AND DIAGNOSIS

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a cause of severe liver disease in huma ns, especially in developing countries. Several assays are available t o detect the HEV genome and specific antibodies against HEV (anti-IgG, IgA and IgM). Different serological patterns enable the diagnostician to differentiate remote from recent infections. In order to avoid dia gnostic errors based on incomplete serological diagnosis, these patter ns are shown with their specific serological marker.