Hepatitis E virus: an underdiagnosed cause of chronic hepatitis in renal transplant recipients

Transpl Infect Dis. 2012 Feb;14(1):99-102. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2011.00677.x. Epub 2011 Sep 28.

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can evolve to chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients leading to rapidly progressive cirrhosis. Proper diagnosis is therefore important, as reducing immunosuppressive therapy can allow clearance of the virus. We report a case of chronic HEV infection in a renal transplant recipient that went undiagnosed for many years, discuss the therapeutic options, and review the current available literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hepatitis E / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis E / virology
  • Hepatitis E virus / isolation & purification*
  • Hepatitis, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis, Chronic / virology*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*