Hepatitis E, A and other hepatotropic viruses

Hepatotropic viruses are extremely common worldwide and among frequent causes of acute hepatitis and acute liver failure. Most commonly, these infections present with a viral prodrome and an acute increase in liver enzymes but atypical presentations can occur. Whereas most infections are benign and self-limiting, chronic states do occur; in the case of Epstein–Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, latency occurs after primary infection, with reactivation occurring at later times of illness. Vaccination programmes for hepatitis A, where available, have led to a significant reduction in incidence.