Clinical Scorecard: From Farm to Clinic: Tracking Hepatitis E

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• HEV is under-recognized in Europe, with significant antibody prevalence among blood donors.
• Main reservoirs include domestic pigs and wild boars, with foodborne transmission being predominant.
• Environmental monitoring is crucial for identifying potential risks from contaminated water sources.
• Different HEV genotypes are linked to distinct transmission routes and clinical risks.
• Surveillance systems for human, animal, and environmental health are not well aligned.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Increase environmental surveillance to monitor HEV in wastewater and water sources.
• Enhance genetic studies to understand transmission dynamics.

Management

• Ensure thorough cooking of pork and wild boar products to reduce transmission risk.
• Strengthen biosecurity measures on pig farms.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Integrate HEV into environmental monitoring alongside other enteric viruses.
• Develop standardized methods for sampling and surveillance across sectors.

Risks

• Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk for chronic infection.
• Environmental contamination can lead to indirect transmission through food supply.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals at risk of HEV infection, particularly those consuming undercooked pork or in contact with animal reservoirs.

Focus on food safety and biosecurity as primary interventions.

Clinical Best Practices

• Adopt a One Health approach to link human, animal, and environmental health.
• Conduct regular monitoring of HEV in animal populations and environmental sources.
• Educate high-risk groups about safe food practices.

Related Resources & Content

• ESCMID Global 2026 Presentation