HEPATITS E VIRUS (HEV) DETECTION, QUANTITATIVE PCR

HEV is responsible for nearly 50% of Acute viral hepatitis in developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Acute infections primarily affect adults, 15 to 40 years of age and are generally mild but the mortality rate is particularly high (10 – 40%) among pregnant women. Chronic HEV infections have been reported in immunosuppressed states. Studies in endemic regions indicate high seroprevalence rates ranging from 15 to 60%.