Hepatitis E: Paradigm of a food-borne zoonotic emerging disease in Europe
 

The VISAVET centre of Complutense University of Madrid organize a MedVetNet workshop focused on HEV by a One Health approach (see programme), connecting professionals from different expertise areas (clinicians, veterinarians, epidemiologists, food officers and policy makers) from different European countries.

The global workshop objective will be to share and update the knowledge about HEV at European level with the ultimate goal of establishing a hepatitis E consortium and a network in order to apply for European calls (Horizon 2020).

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an under-recognised cause of acute hepatitis in high-income countries. Originally considered to be restricted to humans, it is now clear that HEV and HEV-like viruses have several animal reservoirs with complex ecology and genetic diversity. Although there is a single serotype, four major HEV genotypes (1-4) capable of infecting humans are currently recognized. Genotype 3 predominates in high-income countries, including those in Europe. Transmission of this genotype is usually zoonotic and has been linked mainly to the consumption of pork products, but also to wild boar, deer or shellfish. EFSA has recently published a scientific report, which highlights a Europe-wide increase in cases and emphases the need for more research efforts on the epidemiology, diagnosis and control of HEV. Standardised case definitions and testing policies (including the development, harmonization and standardization of the detection methodology) would allow a better understanding of the epidemiology of HEV as an emerging cause of liver-related morbidity in Europe. Despite of major recent developments in the epidemiology, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis E, some other gaps in knowledge need to be addressed (effective HEV control in meat production chains, need of blood products screening, refinement of treatment paradigms of acute and chronic hepatitis E, etc.)

The Abstract book is available for download