Hepatitis E in Europe spread by pigs?

Edinburgh, Scotland -- Hepatitis E virus infections, previously believed confined to China, India and developing nations, are now being reported across Europe.

The disease is one of the few viral diseases transmitted directly from animals through food. Although scientists are still unsure exactly how it spreads to people, direct contact with pigs or eating contaminated pork products is believed likely.

"If this proves to be a relevant route for pig to human infection for hepatitis E in Europe, food safety regulations might need to be adapted accordingly", said Dutch researcher Erwin Duizer.

Genetic material from Hepatitis E viruses has already been detected in pig livers being offered for sale in Japan, the United States and the Netherlands and researchers believe wild boar products could present a similar risk.

"To improve understanding of this disease, doctors should routinely start asking for hepatitis E screening tests, even if the patient has not been traveling in India, China or other countries where they might expect to be at risk of infection" said Duizer.

He presented his report Monday at the University of Edinburgh during a microbial infection session of the 161st meeting of the Society for General Microbiology.

--
Copyright 2007 by United Press International.