The hepatopathogenesis of hepatitis E virus genotype 3

Abstract

Of the zoonotic genotypes of hepatitis E virus, the genotype 3 (HEV3) has emerged as the most pathogenic strain causing chronic hepatitis in immunosuppressed patients in industrialized nations. The epidemiology of HEV3 is rather complex because of its hitherto well recognized sources and routes of transmission. Currently, ribavirin is the only effective drug that however, induces mutations in viral polymerase gene leading to drug-resistance or -nonresponse, and teratogenic effects in pregnant women.