HEV Infection in the Context of Prior HBV-Related Liver Injury: Case Series

Abstract

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of acute hepatitis, with increasing incidence in Europe, including Romania. Concurrently, Romania has a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). There is limited research on the clinical presentation and outcomes of HEV infection in patients with pre-existing chronic hepatitis B (CHB), especially in resource-rich settings. Most literature data come from South, East, and Southeast Asia. A review of the literature on HEV and HBV co-infection indicates a severe prognosis, particularly in patients with underlying liver disease. However, the cases in this study, which did not display cirrhosis, showed varied outcomes. The role of anti-HBV treatment in improving prognosis remains uncertain and warrants further investigation. Acute HEV infection superimposed on chronic HBV infection poses significant clinical challenges, with outcomes ranging from full recovery to fatality. Preventive measures, including sanitation and vaccination against HBV, are crucial. More studies are needed to establish effective treatment protocols for this co-infection. In this study, we will analyze the clinical setting, diagnosis, particularities, and outcomes of five such cases of dual hepatotropic viral infection recorded over a period of 6 years (2018–2023) at a large Infectious Diseases clinic in Bucharest, Romania.

Keywords

• hepatitis
• superinfection
• HEV
• HBV
• co-infection