RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Hepatitis E infection during pregnancy
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP 607
OP 608
VO 61
IS 7
A1 Shahnaz A. Chaudhry
A1 Natasha Verma
A1 Gideon Koren
YR 2015
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/61/7/607.abstract
AB Question Many of my patients are from Southeast Asia where hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is quite common. What precautions can I suggest they take before traveling to these areas and what is the risk of contracting HEV during pregnancy?Answer Hepatitis E is a water-borne pathogen transmitted by the fecal-oral route. To reduce the risk of contracting HEV while traveling to endemic areas, it is important to maintain hygienic practices such as hand washing with safe water, particularly before handling food, avoiding drinking water or using ice cubes of unknown purity, and avoiding eating unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Currently there is no vaccine available in Canada for HEV. Hepatitis E infection during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, is characterized by a more severe infection that sometimes results in fulminant hepatitis, increasing maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity.